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Appah J, Senoo-Dogbey VE, Armah D, Wuaku DA, Ohene LA. A qualitative enquiry into the challenging roles of caregivers caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ghana. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 76:23-29. [PMID: 38320338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition commonly characterized by challenges with social interaction, repetitive atypical behaviour, and restricted interest. It is estimated that about 1 in 160 children has ASD. Caring for children with ASD is challenging for many parents or caregivers. OBJECTIVES The study aims at exploring the challenges experienced by caregivers of children with ASD. METHODS A qualitative phenomenological study was employed using an exploratory descriptive research design. A total of 10 participants were recruited in this study using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed using content analysis procedures. RESULT Caregivers of children with ASD face social, financial, and emotional challenges, challenges in accessing health care, education and training of their children in mainstream school settings. CONCLUSION The numerous challenges have implications for the quality of life of the caregivers and their children. The financial challenges and inaccessibility of specialist health services have serious implications for the continuous medical care and monitoring of children with ASD. The challenges in education and training of children with ASD has negative consequences for enrolment and retention of children with ASD in mainstream school settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Appah
- Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, Accra, Ghana; Ga South Municipal Hospital-Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vivian Efua Senoo-Dogbey
- Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana; Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) School of Public Service and Governance, Ghana.
| | - Deborah Armah
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Delali Adwoa Wuaku
- Department of Nursing Research, Nursing, and Midwifery Training School, P. O Box KB 83, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lilian Akorfa Ohene
- Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 25, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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Kong M, Brown C. Unmasking. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1153-1154. [PMID: 37700162 PMCID: PMC10920182 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02815-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Kong
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Abdelaziz EM, Alsadaan N, Alqahtani M, Elsharkawy NB, Ouda MMA, Ramadan OME, Shaban M, Shokre ES. Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on Psychological Distress among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Role of Problem-Solving Appraisal. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:46. [PMID: 38247698 PMCID: PMC10813282 DOI: 10.3390/bs14010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face considerable psychological distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in reducing caregiver burden, but evidence in the Arab world is lacking. Problem-solving appraisal training may optimize CBT's benefits. This study evaluated a tailored CBT program emphasizing the role of problem-solving appraisal in managing distress through the process of CBT. Sixty mothers were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the CBT intervention group or the control group. The CBT group received 3-month sessions incorporating problem-solving appraisal training within a CBT curriculum from October 2022 to April 2023. Problem-solving techniques are focused on equipping individuals with the skills to identify, approach, and effectively resolve problems, leading to a reduction in stress levels and an improved capacity to cope with difficult situations. All mothers completed assessments of socio-demographics such as age, level of education, marital status, occupation, and adequacy of family income, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI) before and after the program. The CBT group showed significant pre-to-post reductions in depression, anxiety, stress, and general psychological distress compared to controls (all p < 0.05). They also exhibited significant improvements in problem-solving confidence, approach-avoidance style and personal control (all p < 0.05). The customized CBT program markedly improved psychological well-being for mothers of children with ASD in Egypt. Incorporating problem-solving techniques may optimize CBT's benefits cross-culturally. These findings have implications for the implementation of evidence-based support programs for families impacted by ASD worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas Mahrous Abdelaziz
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (E.M.A.); (N.B.E.); (M.M.A.O.); (O.M.E.R.); (M.S.)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Nourah Alsadaan
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (E.M.A.); (N.B.E.); (M.M.A.O.); (O.M.E.R.); (M.S.)
| | - Mohammed Alqahtani
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nadia Bassuoni Elsharkawy
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (E.M.A.); (N.B.E.); (M.M.A.O.); (O.M.E.R.); (M.S.)
- Maternal and Newborn Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Marwa Mohamed Ahmed Ouda
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (E.M.A.); (N.B.E.); (M.M.A.O.); (O.M.E.R.); (M.S.)
- Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Damanhur University, Damanhur 22516, Egypt
| | - Osama Mohamed Elsayed Ramadan
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (E.M.A.); (N.B.E.); (M.M.A.O.); (O.M.E.R.); (M.S.)
- Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Shaban
- College of Nursing, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia; (E.M.A.); (N.B.E.); (M.M.A.O.); (O.M.E.R.); (M.S.)
- Geriatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Evon S. Shokre
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Fayum University, Fayum 63514, Egypt;
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Alasiri RM, Albarrak DA, Alghaith DM, Alsayari OS, Alqahtani YS, Bafarat AY, Tashkandi NF. Quality of Life of Autistic Children and Supported Programs in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e51645. [PMID: 38313888 PMCID: PMC10837822 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurobehavioral condition marked by social interaction challenges, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors, with studies in Saudi Arabia showing varying prevalence rates in different regions. This study aimed to evaluate the social context of autistic children and the quality of life (QOL) for families of children with autism utilizing the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (BCFQOL). METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia over a six-month period, included ASD children aged 1-14 years. The QOL was measured using the BCFQOL scale for families. Data were analyzed using the Jamovi software (Windows version 2.4.1, the Jamovi Project, retrieved from https://www.jamovi.org). RESULTS A total of 102 responses were collected in the study. The overall satisfaction score was 93.6±16.6 out of 125, with 85.3% of participants expressing satisfaction. Domains explored included family interaction (23.8±5.29 out of 30), parenting practices (23.9±3.83 out of 30), emotional well-being (13.1±4.16 out of 20), physical and material well-being (18.7±4.24 out of 25), and disability-related support (14.2±4.0 out of 20). In terms of specific sociodemographic factors, no statistically significant differences in satisfaction were observed across various categories. CONCLUSION Families of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia generally report high levels of satisfaction, as assessed by the BCFQOL. The study covered various domains, including family interaction, parenting practices, emotional well-being, physical well-being, and disability-related support, with most respondents expressing satisfaction in these areas. Notably, sociodemographic factors did not significantly influence satisfaction levels, underscoring the pervasive nature of the findings across different demographic groups. Further studies with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period are required to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaf Mohammed Alasiri
- Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Danah Abdullah Albarrak
- Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Deemah Meshal Alghaith
- Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ohoud Saad Alsayari
- Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Yasmeen Salem Alqahtani
- Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ammar Y Bafarat
- Psychiatry, King Abdulaziz Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
- Psychiatry, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Alahsa, SAU
| | - Noha Farouk Tashkandi
- Medical Research, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Medicine, Riyadh, SAU
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Aderinto N, Olatunji D, Idowu O. Autism in Africa: prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and the impact of social and cultural factors on families and caregivers: a review. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:4410-4416. [PMID: 37663716 PMCID: PMC10473371 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a narrative review of current knowledge on autism in Africa, including prevalence, diagnosis, treatment and the impact of social and cultural factors on families and caregivers. The prevalence of autism in Africa is estimated to be similar to that in other regions. However, diagnosis and treatment access remain limited due to various challenges, such as a shortage of specialised healthcare professionals and resources, a lack of awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among healthcare providers, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health and developmental disorders. Alternative therapies are commonly used with other therapies, but their effectiveness is often unproven. The impact of ASD on families and caregivers in Africa is significant, with many facing challenges in accessing support services and coping with stigma. Efforts are being made to increase awareness and reduce the stigma around ASD in African communities, but more research is needed on effective interventions and culturally appropriate treatments. Policy recommendations include increasing resources and training for healthcare professionals, improving access to evidence-based interventions and promoting community awareness and support. With improved understanding and investment, the quality of life of individuals with ASD in Africa can be significantly improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Aderinto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Cameroon
| | - Deji Olatunji
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Oluwatobi Idowu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chesire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, UK
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Patel AD, Arya A, Agarwal V, Gupta PK, Agarwal M. Burden of care and quality of life in caregivers of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 70:103030. [PMID: 35180464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is increasing across the globe. The disorder in children not only creates burden of care in caregivers but also leads to impaired quality of life of families. OBJECTIVE To study the burden of care and quality of life in caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD. METHODOLOGY Cross sectional study conducted in Child and Adolescent psychiatry outpatient services at a government centre in north India between September 2014 to August 2015. The sample consisted of 40 caregivers of children with Autism. Mean age of the caregiver's were 34.72 ± 6.32 years. Burden of care and quality of life were measured by Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire respectively. RESULTS Mean burden of care on BAS was 71.73 ± 8.62 indicating quite a high degree of burden on the caregivers of ASD. Significantly higher burden was reported by caregivers belonging to low income families and caregivers of children in age group 6-12 years. A positive correlation was observed between severity of autism and burden of care in caregivers. The study also found that as the severity of symptom increases the QoL in caregiver worsens. CONCLUSION Caregivers of children with ASD suffer from high burden of care and impaired QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Deep Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Maharaja Suhel Dev Autonomous State Medical College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Amit Arya
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Vivek Agarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Pawan Kumar Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Manu Agarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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