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Chang Y, He B, DeMaranville J, Wongpakaran N, Wedding D, Wongpakaran T. Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Core Symptom Index: A Study among Chinese Parents of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:1902-1912. [PMID: 39056641 PMCID: PMC11276130 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14070126] [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: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders often experience psychological distress, which can affect the quality of childcare they provide. It is crucial to screen for psychiatric symptoms among these parents. The core symptom index (CSI) is a widely recognized tool used to assess general symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and somatic issues. It has proven validity and reliability across diverse Thai populations. Given the cultural similarities between Thai and Chinese populations, the CSI has been successfully implemented within the Chinese population. Nevertheless, it is crucial to research its validity and reliability in the general Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the CSI among parents of children with autism spectrum disorders using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). (2) Methods: A total of 794 Chinese parents raising children with autism participated in this study. All completed the CSI, along with the social inhibition subscale of the Interpersonal Problems Inventory and the Couple Satisfaction Index. Factorial validity was assessed using CFA to determine how well the bifactor three-factor model fits the data. Various structural models were compared using model fit indices. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined by exploring correlations with the social inhibition subscale and the Couple Satisfaction Index. Invariance testing of the CSI was conducted across multiple groups based on gender, age, and education using CFA. The reliability of the CSI was evaluated using McDonald's omega coefficients. (3) Results: The bifactor model emerged as the best-fitting model for the data, suggesting that the total score of the CSI adequately represents overall psychiatric symptoms. The CSI exhibited significant correlations with the social inhibition subscale (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) and smaller correlation coefficients with the Couple Satisfaction Index (r = -0.16, p < 0.05), indicating both convergent and discriminant validity. The invariant test results support scalar invariance levels based on gender and age but only partial invariance for education. The Chinese version of the CSI demonstrated high consistency, with McDonald's omega coefficients ranging between 0.86 and 0.95. (4) Conclusions: The bifactor model of the Chinese version of the CSI is validated, making it a suitable tool for measuring depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms among parent(s) of children with autism spectrum disorders. Further research on other Chinese populations is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chang
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School (MIdS), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.C.); (B.H.); (J.D.); (N.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Bijing He
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School (MIdS), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.C.); (B.H.); (J.D.); (N.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Justin DeMaranville
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School (MIdS), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.C.); (B.H.); (J.D.); (N.W.); (D.W.)
| | - Nahathai Wongpakaran
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School (MIdS), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.C.); (B.H.); (J.D.); (N.W.); (D.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Danny Wedding
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School (MIdS), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.C.); (B.H.); (J.D.); (N.W.); (D.W.)
- Department of Clinical and Humanistic Psychology, Saybrook University, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA
| | - Tinakon Wongpakaran
- Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary School (MIdS), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (Y.C.); (B.H.); (J.D.); (N.W.); (D.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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Latrèche K, Godel M, Franchini M, Journal F, Kojovic N, Schaer M. Early trajectories and moderators of autistic language profiles: A longitudinal study in preschoolers. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241253015. [PMID: 38770974 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241253015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Language development can greatly vary among autistic children. Children who struggle with language acquisition often face many challenges and experience lower quality of life. However, little is known about the early language trajectories of autistic preschoolers and their moderators. Autistic language can be stratified into three profiles. Language unimpaired experience little to no language difficulties; language impaired show significant difficulties in language; minimally verbal never develop functional language. In this study, we used a longitudinal sample of preschoolers with autism and with typical development (aged 1.5-5.7 years). We replicated the three language profiles through a data-driven approach. We also found that different factors modulated the language outcome within each group. For instance, non-verbal cognition at age 2.4 moderated the participants' attribution to each language profile. Moreover, early intervention moderated verbal outcome in the language impaired profile. In conclusion, we provided a detailed description of how autistic preschoolers acquire language, and what factors might influence their trajectories. Our findings could inspire more personalized intervention for early autistic language difficulties.
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Lagang-Buenaventura MKC, Ang-Nolasco VDC. Needs and Coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Government Tertiary Hospital. ACTA MEDICA PHILIPPINA 2024; 58:152-162. [PMID: 38882907 PMCID: PMC11168959 DOI: 10.47895/amp.v58i7.6331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the well-being of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. The core deficits of the condition and increased parental stress during this time made them more vulnerable. Objectives This study aims to explore how the pandemic has affected these families by identifying their needs and capabilities in order to provide support. Methods A total of 227 parents of children with ASD completed an online survey consisting of items on socio-demographics, family needs, and coping strategies. Descriptive statistics were used and t-test and ANOVA/Kruskal Wallis were used to determine the relationship between parent and child factors with needs and coping. Results Needs for Information, Community Services, and Finances are the top categories while the greatest identified need during this pandemic was for financial assistance. Religiosity, Problem-Solving, and Cognitive Reappraisal were the widely used coping strategies by the parents. Fathers, younger children, daughters with ASD, and having more than one child with ASD showed significant association with needs. Parents with primary and tertiary education were associated with use of the cognitive reappraisal strategy and those with jobs were associated with substance use. Conclusion Families of children with ASD have multiple needs during this pandemic, from autism-specific information and services, to more generic concerns such as financial assistance. Despite these challenges, these families have positive strategies in place to facilitate coping mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Khatrina C Lagang-Buenaventura
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
| | - Victoria Dominique C Ang-Nolasco
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
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Eapen V, Islam R, Azim SI, Masi A, Klein L, Karlov L. Factors Impacting Parental Quality of Life in Preschool Children on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:943-954. [PMID: 36538128 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examined connections between parental quality of life (QoL) and features of children (autism severity, cognitive ability, behavioral profile, and sociodemographic factors). Parents of 97 children attending an autism-specific preschool completed the Quality of Life in Autism, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and Child Behavior Checklist. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Mullen Scales of Early Learning were also administered. Reduced restrictive/repetitive behavior and higher socialization and play/leisure scores were associated with better parental QoL. Better behavioral regulation and attention also predicted better QoL, as did stronger communication and reduced internalising behaviours. Findings indicate that a child's level of autism specific traits, adaptive functioning and behavioral profile has greater impact on parental QoL than cognitive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic, Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
| | - Raisa Islam
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Syeda Ishra Azim
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louis Klein
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic, Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic, Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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Volgyesi-Molnar M, Gyori M, Eapen V, Borsos Z, Havasi A, Jakab Z, Janoch L, Nemeth V, Oszi T, Szekeres A, Stefanik K. Quality of Life in Hungarian Parents of Autistic Individuals. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3. [PMID: 38280137 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3] [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: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of autistic individuals have been known to have a lower overall quality of life (QQL) than those of typically developing children. We present the first Hungarian large-sample study whose objective was to explore the differences in QOL between parents of autistic individuals (AS) and those of neurotypical (NT) persons. METHODS Based on the ABCX model we developed a questionnaire comprising standardized scales to characterize the life of parents involved. Our data came from parents of 842 individuals (ASD = 521, NT = 321) between 0 and 49 years. Battery deployed standardized instruments to examine quality of life (WHO-QQL BREF and Quality of Life in Autism questionnaire, QOLA). We assessed the families' socio-economic/demographic characteristics, parents' psychological well-being, the autistic/neurotypical individuals' characteristics, and the interventions. RESULTS Our data showed significantly lower QOL in parents of autistic individuals in all domains of questionnaires. We analyzed 20 relevant factors to uncover the predictors of parental QOL. We confirmed the existence of most but not all predictors present in earlier literature and identified intervention-related predictors. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the importance of supporting parents in their role, and of providing health and social supports that focus on quality of life, in addition to child care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Volgyesi-Molnar
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Miklos Gyori
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District & Ingham Institute, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Zsofia Borsos
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Havasi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Jakab
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlone Janoch
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Nemeth
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Doctoral School of Education, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamasne Oszi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agota Szekeres
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Education, Kaposvar, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Stefanik
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
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van Niekerk K, Stancheva V, Smith C. Caregiver burden among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. S Afr J Psychiatr 2023; 29:2079. [PMID: 37928940 PMCID: PMC10623632 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v29i0.2079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests and activities. Autism spectrum disorder is associated with multiple comorbidities. As a result, caregivers of children with ASD experience increased levels of burden and poor quality of life. However, there is a paucity of information on the burden. Aim The study aimed to describe the sociodemographic profiles and determine the extent of the burden experienced by caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD. Setting The Child, Adolescent and Family Unit (CAFU) outpatient services at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Methods A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was done. Two self-administered questionnaires were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire and the 12-item Zarit Burden Interview questionnaire. Results The questionnaires were completed by 77 caregivers, of which the majority were female (n = 56 or 72.3%), mothers to children with ASD (n = 49 or 64.3%) and identified as Christian (p < 0.001). Most had completed secondary school or had a tertiary education (p = 0.003) and were employed (p < 0.001). Among the caregivers, 41.6% experienced mild to moderate burden, 33.8% experienced high burden and only 24.9% reported no to mild burden. Conclusion Caregivers of children and adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD are mostly mothers and experience mild to moderate levels of caregiver burden, suggesting the need for improved screening and psychosocial support programmes. Contribution This study highlights the burden experienced by primary caregivers of children with ASD and is one of the few comprehensive studies on this issue within the context of South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli van Niekerk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Venera Stancheva
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cornelia Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Rattaz C, Loubersac J, Michelon C, Picot MC, Baghdadli A. Changes in mothers' and fathers' stress level, mental health and coping strategies during the 3 years following ASD diagnosis. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 137:104497. [PMID: 37004353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ASD in a child affects parental mental health, with elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression reported in parents. METHOD In this study, we examined mothers' and fathers' stress, anxiety and depression, as well as their coping strategies in a sample of 103 children and adolescents enrolled in the ELENA cohort study in France at diagnosis and three years after diagnosis. RESULTS Results showed that mothers had higher levels of stress and anxiety / depression than fathers and used more social support coping strategies at diagnosis, which might be explained by increased levels of parental involvement. Mothers' stress level significantly decreased during the three years following ASD diagnosis but no such decrease was observed in fathers' stress level. A significant decrease in anxiety and depression was observed for both parents, suggesting that parental distress is particularly elevated during the critical diagnosis period. Results finally yielded a significant decrease in emotion-focused coping strategy in mothers over the three-year period, an ineffective strategy that takes places at the time of diagnosis but then decreases during the period following ASD diagnosis, in relation to the acceptance process. CONCLUSIONS Implications in terms of addressing the unmet mental health needs of parents and their coping strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Rattaz
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Loubersac
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical Information, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montpellier, France.
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Brillet L, Peries M, Vernhet C, Rattaz C, Michelon C, Baghdadli A. Dyadic Effect of Coping on the Perceived Impact of ASD of Children on Parental Quality of Life: Report from the ELENA Cohort. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:38-49. [PMID: 34994927 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05414-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of families. This study aimed to examine, for parents of children with ASD, the dyadic effect of each parent's coping strategy on the perception of the impact of ASD on their QoL. In total, 164 couples completed self-report questionnaires, including the Par-DD-QoL, to evaluate the parental perception of QoL. Results from the actor-partner interdependence model showed that, in addition to the effect of the mothers' and fathers' emotion-focused coping on their own perception of QoL, the mothers' emotion-focused coping plays a key role in the fathers' perception of QoL. These findings suggest that both parents of children with ASD would benefit from couple-focused interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leïla Brillet
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur Les Troubles Neuro-Développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- University of Medecine, Montpellier, France
| | - Marianne Peries
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur Les Troubles Neuro-Développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Christelle Vernhet
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur Les Troubles Neuro-Développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cécile Rattaz
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur Les Troubles Neuro-Développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur Les Troubles Neuro-Développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'Excellence Sur Les Troubles Neuro-Développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
- University of Medecine, Montpellier, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France.
- Centre de Ressources Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'Autisme et les Troubles Neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, 39 Avenue Charles Flahault, 34295 Cedex 05, Montpellier, France.
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Dučić B, Kaljača S, Stojković I. Relationship between the Broader Autism Phenotype and empathy among students. PRIMENJENA PSIHOLOGIJA 2022. [DOI: 10.19090/pp.v15i3.2381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that persons with a higher level of the broad autism phenotype (BAP) experience deficits in empathy. The aim of the present study is to investigate a multivariate relationship between the BAP and different aspects of empathy. In a sample of 293 university students, we explored the relationship between the BAP and the following aspects of empathy: fantasy, empathic concern, perspective taking, and personal distress. The BAP level was measured using The Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ), and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used for multidimensional assessment of empathy disposition. Canonical correlation analysis yielded two functions (Function 1 ̶ Rc2 = 17.31%, Function 2 ̶ Rc2 = 10.82%). In Function 1, IRI subscales Personal Distress (PD) (rs = .92) and Perspective Taking (PT) (rs = -.39) are associated significantly with all three domains of the BAP. The strongest correlation PD and PT show with Rigid and Pragmatic Language domains of the BAP, while they demonstrate a weaker relationship with the Aloofness domain. In Function 2, IRI subscales Empathic Concern (EC) (rs = -.98), Fantasy (FS) (rs = -.46), PT (rs = -.43) and PD (rs = -.31) are related to the Aloofness domain of the BAP. The results imply that the relationship between BAP and empathy differs for different aspects of these two constructs. The more detailed understanding of the relationship between BAP and empathy obtained through the multivariate approach provides a basis from which to create programs for the more efficient promotion of empathy skills.
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Weyland M, Maes P, Kissine M, Defresne P. Impact of Belgian COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on autistic individuals’ socio-communicative behaviors and their parents’ quality of life. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273932. [PMID: 36044732 PMCID: PMC9433112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the spring of 2020, Belgian authorities enforced a full lockdown period to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This lockdown drastically disrupted the daily life of autistic individuals’ and that of their families. In the midst of these extraordinary circumstances, we assessed the impact of social restrictions on autistic individuals’ behavior and their parents’ or caregivers’ quality of life; we also sought to identify individual characteristics that may influence such changes. Methods We designed an online survey targeting caregivers living with an autistic child or adult. The questionnaire included 125 five-point Likert questions which targeted changes in families’ quality of life and in autistic individuals’ behavior, as well as factors likely to influence the extent and direction of these changes. Results We collected data from 209 French-speaking Belgian respondents. Respondents reported that the lockdown brought about a higher frequency of nonfunctional socio-communicative behaviors, as well as a decrease in families’ quality of life. Parents who had less access to respite care experienced a steeper decrease in their quality of life. Autistic individuals with comorbidities, and whose parents had less access to respite care and implemented fewer rules at home during lockdown were more likely to display nonfunctional socio-communicative behaviors. Conclusion COVID-19 lockdown restrictions had a negative impact on both autistic individuals and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Weyland
- Service Métrologie et Sciences du Langage, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Pauline Maes
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mikhail Kissine
- ACTE at LaDisco and ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Bui TA, Pohl M, Rosenfelt C, Ogourtsova T, Yousef M, Whitlock K, Majnemer A, Nicholas D, Demmans Epp C, Zaiane O, Bolduc FV. Identifying Potential Gamification Elements for A New Chatbot for Families With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: User-Centered Design Approach. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e31991. [PMID: 35984679 PMCID: PMC9440405 DOI: 10.2196/31991] [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: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chatbots have been increasingly considered for applications in the health care field. However, it remains unclear how a chatbot can assist users with complex health needs, such as parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) who need ongoing support. Often, this population must deal with complex and overwhelming health information, which can make parents less likely to use a software that may be very helpful. An approach to enhance user engagement is incorporating game elements in nongame contexts, known as gamification. Gamification needs to be tailored to users; however, there has been no previous assessment of gamification use in chatbots for NDDs. Objective We sought to examine how gamification elements are perceived and whether their implementation in chatbots will be well received among parents of children with NDDs. We have discussed some elements in detail as the initial step of the project. Methods We performed a narrative literature review of gamification elements, specifically those used in health and education. Among the elements identified in the literature, our health and social science experts in NDDs prioritized five elements for in-depth discussion: goal setting, customization, rewards, social networking, and unlockable content. We used a qualitative approach, which included focus groups and interviews with parents of children with NDDs (N=21), to assess the acceptability of the potential implementation of these elements in an NDD-focused chatbot. Parents were asked about their opinions on the 5 elements and to rate them. Video and audio recordings were transcribed and summarized for emerging themes, using deductive and inductive thematic approaches. Results From the responses obtained from 21 participants, we identified three main themes: parents of children with NDDs were familiar with and had positive experiences with gamification; a specific element (goal setting) was important to all parents, whereas others (customization, rewards, and unlockable content) received mixed opinions; and the social networking element received positive feedback, but concerns about information accuracy were raised. Conclusions We showed for the first time that parents of children with NDDs support gamification use in a chatbot for NDDs. Our study illustrates the need for a user-centered design in the medical domain and provides a foundation for researchers interested in developing chatbots for populations that are medically vulnerable. Future studies exploring wide range of gamification elements with large number of potential users are needed to understand the impact of gamification elements in enhancing knowledge mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truong An Bui
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Megan Pohl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Tatiana Ogourtsova
- Feil & Oberfeld Research Centre of the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital - Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval (CISSS Laval), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Laval, QC, Canada.,School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Mahdieh Yousef
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kerri Whitlock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Annette Majnemer
- School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - David Nicholas
- Central and Northern Alberta Region, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carrie Demmans Epp
- EdTeKLA Research Group, Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Osmar Zaiane
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - François V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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12
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Karns CM, Todis B, Glenn E, Glang A, Wade SL, Riddle I, McIntyre LL. Seeking Out Social Learning: Online Self-Education in Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 60:303-315. [PMID: 35868300 DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-60.4.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Supportive, informed parenting is critical to improve outcomes of children who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Parents want to learn about their child's condition, needs, and strategies to improve family life. The internet is a valuable resource, but how parents evaluate and apply information is unknown. We conducted focus groups to understand how parents use internet resources to learn about their children with IDD. Parents described using the internet to access information from trusted sources, find examples to apply their knowledge, and seek social support. Social learning theory, which posits that cognitive, behavioral, and social processes influence each other to support real-world learning, could provide a theoretical framework for unifying these findings and for designing efficacious online interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Karns
- Christina M. Karns, Bonnie Todis, Elizabeth Glenn, and Ann Glang, University of Oregon
| | - Bonnie Todis
- Christina M. Karns, Bonnie Todis, Elizabeth Glenn, and Ann Glang, University of Oregon
| | - Elizabeth Glenn
- Christina M. Karns, Bonnie Todis, Elizabeth Glenn, and Ann Glang, University of Oregon
| | - Ann Glang
- Christina M. Karns, Bonnie Todis, Elizabeth Glenn, and Ann Glang, University of Oregon
| | - Shari L Wade
- Shari L. Wade and Ilka Riddle, University of Cincinnati
| | - Ilka Riddle
- Shari L. Wade and Ilka Riddle, University of Cincinnati
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13
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Tascini G, Dell'Isola GB, Mencaroni E, Di Cara G, Striano P, Verrotti A. Sleep Disorders in Rett Syndrome and Rett-Related Disorders: A Narrative Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:817195. [PMID: 35299616 PMCID: PMC8923297 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.817195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare and severe X-linked developmental brain disorder that occurs primarily in females, with a ratio of 1:10.000. De novo mutations in the Methyl-CpG Binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene on the long arm of X chromosome are responsible for more than 95% cases of classical Rett. In the remaining cases (atypical Rett), other genes are involved such as the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and the forkhead box G1 (FOXG1). Duplications of the MECP2 locus cause MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) which concerns about 1% of male patients with intellectual disability. Sleep disorders are common in individuals with intellectual disability, while the prevalence in children is between 16 and 42%. Over 80% of individuals affected by RTT show sleep problems, with a higher prevalence in the first 7 years of life and some degree of variability in correlation to age and genotype. Abnormalities in circadian rhythm and loss of glutamate homeostasis play a key role in the development of these disorders. Sleep disorders, epilepsy, gastrointestinal problems characterize CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD). Sleep impairment is an area of overlap between RTT and MECP2 duplication syndrome along with epilepsy, regression and others. Sleep dysfunction and epilepsy are deeply linked. Sleep deprivation could be an aggravating factor of epilepsy and anti-comitial therapy could interfere in sleep structure. Epilepsy prevalence in atypical Rett syndrome with severe clinical phenotype is higher than in classical Rett syndrome. However, RTT present a significant lifetime risk of epilepsy too. Sleep disturbances impact on child's development and patients' families and the evidence for its management is still limited. The aim of this review is to analyze pathophysiology, clinical features, the impact on other comorbidities and the management of sleep disorders in Rett syndrome and Rett-related syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Tascini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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14
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Nowakowski-Sims E. Integrative Body, Mind, and Spirit Interventions used with Parents in the Child Welfare System. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2022; 15:121-129. [PMID: 35222779 PMCID: PMC8837741 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Parenting is a critical component of child welfare's intervention efforts; however, child welfare interventions attempt to correct dysfunctional parenting practices rather than address their shared underlying causes, such as parental stress and trauma. Ongoing stress can overload a parents' ability to access logical decision-making capabilities. Parents can utilize integrative body, mind, and spirit interventions to remain calm when they experience chronic stress. These interventions can offer stressed out parents techniques that focus on emotional regulation, and subsequently reduce the risk of child maltreatment. This article offers a comprehensive review of the literature identifying parental stress as a critical component of child welfare as well as the usefulness of including integrative mind, body, and spirit interventions with parents in the child welfare system.
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15
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Beheshti SZ, Hosseini SS, Maroufizadeh S, Almasi-Hashiani A. Occupational performance of children with autism spectrum disorder and quality of life of their mothers. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35033183 PMCID: PMC8760686 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited studies were found to investigate the occupational performance of autistic children and their parents' quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate occupational performance of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and QoL of their mothers. RESULTS In this study, 88 participants were selected from autism centers in Arak, Iran, 2020. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the parent version of Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA-P) were used to assess the occupational performance of ASD children and their mothers QoL. QoLA-P consists of parts A which is related to the quality of life and part-B related to the problems that these children have and are related to the parents or their caregivers. Regarding occupational performance, the first priority of mothers is self-care with frequency 64.8%. The finding suggested a significant correlation between total function score of COPM and the score of part-A (r = 0.227, p = 0.033) of QoLA-P. Also, the results revealed a significant correlation between the total satisfaction score of COPM and the score of part-A (r = 0.236, p = 0.026) and part-B of QoLA-P questionnaire (r = 0.231, p = 0.030). The mothers' first priority is self-care and, the total satisfaction and function score of COPM showed a significant correlation with mothers' QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zeinab Beheshti
- School of Rehabilitation, Department of Occupational Therapy, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Saman Maroufizadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Amir Almasi-Hashiani
- School of Health, Department of Epidemiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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16
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Flores-Buils R, Andrés-Roqueta C. Factors influencing resilience of parents with children with neurodevelopmental disorders: The role of structural language, social cognition, and social support. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:886590. [PMID: 36159927 PMCID: PMC9493182 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.886590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience allows a more positive coping and improves parents' wellbeing when they face a difficult situation like having a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). We aim to analyze the development of resilience in parents of children with different NDD (ASD, DLD and ADHD) with different levels of structural language and social cognition, as well as the social support available for their families, and compare it to children with typical development (TD). METHOD We analyzed the level of resilience of 156 parents, 73 with children with TD and 73 with three different NDD, taking into account variables such as age, structural language (receptive grammar) and social cognition (emotional understanding) of the children, and also the type of social support available to them. RESULTS Children with DLD and ASD showed lower receptive grammar and emotional comprehension skills, although only parents of children with ASD obtained better resilience scores. Moreover, age of children and formal support variables predicted the resilience of the parents according to the type of NDD. DISCUSSION The severity of social cognition and structural language difficulties of children with NDD and the fact of having support from professionals and family associations have a significant influence on the development of parental resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Flores-Buils
- Department of Developmental, Educational Social and Methodological Psychology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Clara Andrés-Roqueta
- Department of Developmental, Educational Social and Methodological Psychology, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
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Effects of a Web-Based Parent-Child Physical Activity Program on Mental Health in Parents of Children with ASD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412913. [PMID: 34948523 PMCID: PMC8700830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with ASD experience a higher incidence of mental health difficulties, including stress, depression, and anxiety, than parents of children without ASD. According to studies related to ASD, parent–child physical activity programs are an effective approach to encourage both parents and their children with ASD to exercise together, thus improving the mental health of parents due to this interactive family activity. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of this web-based parent–child physical activity program on the mental health of parents of children with ASD. A total of 94 parent–child pairs consented to participate in this study, and 75 parent–child pairs completed the study. Three instruments—DASS-21, PSI-4-SF, and WHOQOL-26—were used to measure mental health, parental stress, and quality of life, respectively. A randomized controlled trial design was implemented to examine the effectiveness of the 10-week web-based parent–child physical activity program on improving the mental health of parents of children with ASD. The results showed that after the 10-week parent–child physical activity program, there were significant differences in overall DASS-21 and PSI-4-SF for the experimental group, compared with control group (p < 0.05), which indicated that the parent–child physical activity program has a positive influence on mental health in parents of children with ASD. One sub-area of WHOQOL-26 between the experimental and control groups across pre-/post-testing intervals also showed greater reductions in the item of psychological health (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings demonstrated the efficacy of the web-based parent–child physical activity program for improving mental health in parents of children with ASD.
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18
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The Route of Stress in Parents of Young Children with and without Autism: A Path-Analysis Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010887. [PMID: 34682634 PMCID: PMC8535200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
We provide a conceptual model on the complex interaction between stress, psychological predisposition, and personality traits, accounting for gender, in parents of children with and without autism. We performed a path analysis using a structural equation modeling approach in a sample of parents including 60 ASD and 53 TD couples. In parents of typically developing children (TD), depression level and age are the main direct predictors of stress through the mediating effect of anxiety. Otherwise, in the ASD parent group, the personality trait ‘openness’ directly predicts the defensive response and stress levels without the mediating effect of anxiety. Our data suggest a route of action in promoting new behavioral strategies to prevent parenting stress, making families run smoothly.
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Rossetti KG, Zlomke KR. Resourcefulness revisited: Further psychometric evaluation of resourcefulness scale. Stress Health 2021; 37:631-639. [PMID: 33426795 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Resourcefulness, a collection of problem-solving, coping, self-control and emotion regulation skills, has been shown to moderate health outcomes in various caregiver populations. Caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), report higher levels of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms with poorer health-related quality of life. The current study replicated and extended psychometric research on the Resourcefulness Scale (RS) among caregivers of children with ASD (n = 287) and a comparison group of caregivers of non-affected children (n = 207). Results suggest acceptable internal consistency and construct validity when using the RS among caregivers of children with and without ASD. The RS demonstrated poor temporal stability over an average of 4 weeks (r = 0.087, p = 0.434). Caregivers of children with ASD report higher levels of general, social, and personal resourcefulness than non-affected caregivers. Findings validate the use of the RS within caregiving populations with implications for clinical use and future research in the development of interventions to enhance caregiver QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly R Zlomke
- Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA
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20
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Wolstencroft J, Hull L, Warner L, Akhtar TN, Mandy W, Skuse D. 'We have been in lockdown since he was born': a mixed methods exploration of the experiences of families caring for children with intellectual disability during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049386. [PMID: 34593495 PMCID: PMC8487017 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents caring for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during the UK national lockdown in spring 2020, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Participants were identified using opportunity sampling from the IMAGINE-ID national (UK) cohort and completed an online survey followed by a semistructured interview. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING Interviews were conducted over the telephone in July 2020 as the first UK lockdown was ending. PARTICIPANTS 23 mothers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 5-15 years were recruited. RESULTS Themes reported by parents included: managing pre-existing challenges during a time of extreme change, having mixed emotions about the benefits and difficulties that arose during the lockdown and the need for appropriate, individualised support. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm observations previously found in UK parents of children with IDD and provide new insights on the use of technology during the pandemic for schooling and healthcare, as well as the need for regular check-ins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Wolstencroft
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - Laura Hull
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, England
| | - Lauren Warner
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - Tooba Nadeem Akhtar
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - William Mandy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, England
| | - David Skuse
- The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
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21
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Ali U, Bharuchi V, Ali NG, Jafri SK. Assessing the Quality of Life of Parents of Children With Disabilities Using WHOQoL BREF During COVID-19 Pandemic. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2021; 2:708657. [PMID: 36188855 PMCID: PMC9397932 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.708657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background: Caring for a child with disabilities is a challenging journey, as the parents must meet greater demands when compared with the parents of children without disabilities. Looking after a child with disablities requires additional financial, social, emotional, and physical resources. Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has made this even more challenging and impacted the quality of life of parents of children with disabilities. Methods: The study was an analytical cross-sectional design with two comparison groups: parents of children with developmental disabilities and parents of children without disabilities. The Urdu version of the WHO Quality of Life Measure Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the quality of life (QoL) among parents. Sociodemographic data were also obtained from the parents. Results: Parents of children with disabilities had lower overall scores when different domains of QoL were considered (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment) using WHOQoL-BREF. Statistically significant differences were observed in the physical and environmental domains of parental QoL.
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22
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Yamane T. Longitudinal psychometric evaluation of the developmental disorder parenting stressor index with Japanese parents of children with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 25:2034-2047. [PMID: 34378425 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211009349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Parents of children with autism experience high rates of parenting stress. Assessing parenting stress in them has crucial clinical implications because increased parental stress is associated with psychological disorders and personal distress, which can result in worse child-parent relationships. Theorists have proposed that a person's cognitive appraisal determines whether or not a situation or an encounter is personally stressful. However, prior scales merely measure the outcomes of parental stress as a stress response: little the scales were designed to assess events and cognitive appraisal-related parenting stressors of parents of children with autism. We investigated whether a new index for assessing parenting stressors-the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index is a valid measure to assess parenting stressors of parents of children with autism using longitudinal online surveys at three times. Participants were 212 Japanese parents of children with autism aged 2-18 years who completed the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index and measures of autism symptoms and stress response . Overall, the findings indicated that the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index can be reliably used to measure both experiences and cognitive appraisal of parenting stressors among parents of children with autism. Moreover, the Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index has several advantages and is a valuable measurement tool to be able to evaluate parenting stressors in clinical settings; Developmental Disorder Parenting Stressor Index is shorter, easier to complete, and can evaluate both viewpoints of parenting stressors.
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Siracusano M, Riccioni A, Gialloreti LE, Segatori E, Arturi L, Vasta M, Porfirio MC, Terribili M, Galasso C, Mazzone L. Parental Stress and Disability in Offspring: A Snapshot during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081040. [PMID: 34439660 PMCID: PMC8391692 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parenting a child with a disability, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic syndromes, implies a high level of stress. During the COVID-19 outbreak—as a period implying additional challenges—few studies have specifically investigated caregivers’ distress among neurodevelopmental disabilities. The objective of the study is to investigate whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of parental stress differs between four disability groups including neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) and genetic syndromes (Rett syndrome (RTT), Sotos syndrome (SS)) in comparison to families with typical development offspring (TD). In total, 220 Italian parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities (74 ASD, 51 ADHD, 34 SS, 21 RTT, 40 TD; age M 9.4 ± SD 4.2) underwent a standardized evaluation for stress related to parenting through the self-report questionnaire, Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). The main findings show greater levels of parental stress—mainly linked to child behavioral characteristics rather than parental sense of competence—in parents of children affected by a disability in comparison to children with typical development. This study highlights the need to support not only individuals with special needs but also their own caregivers: core figures in the management and outcome of children disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Siracusano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-0620900249
| | - Assia Riccioni
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Montpellier Street 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Eugenia Segatori
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Montpellier Street 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Lucrezia Arturi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Montpellier Street 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michelangelo Vasta
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Montpellier Street 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Porfirio
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Monica Terribili
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Cinzia Galasso
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Montpellier Street 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luigi Mazzone
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Fondazione PTV, Oxford Street 81, 00133 Rome, Italy; (A.R.); (L.A.); (M.V.); (M.C.P.); (M.T.); (C.G.); (L.M.)
- Systems Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Montpellier Street 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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Rydzewska E, Dunn K, Cooper SA, Kinnear D. Mental ill-health in mothers of people with intellectual disabilities compared with mothers of typically developing people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2021; 65:501-534. [PMID: 33738865 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mothers of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) face exceptional challenges and may be more prone to experiencing mental ill-health compared with mothers of typically developing people. These mental ill-health problems may differ at different stages of the caregiving trajectory. However, there is no evidence synthesis on this topic. We aimed to systematically review evidence in this area and identify gaps in the existing literature. METHOD Prospero registration: CRD42018088197. Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched. No time limits were applied. Studies were limited to English language. Inclusion criteria were studies of mothers of people with IDs that also included a comparison group of mothers of typically developing/developed children. Data were extracted from selected studies using a structured database. Study selection and quality appraisal were double rated. Where possible, meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS Of the retrieved articles, 32/3089 were included, of which 10 reported on anxiety, 21 on depression and 23 on other indicators of mental ill-health. Overall, previous studies reported that mothers of people with IDs experienced poorer mental health as compared with mothers of typically developing people. Meta-analyses revealed significant findings for anxiety, depression, parenting stress, emotional burden and common mental disorders, but not for somatic symptoms. However, there was a considerable heterogeneity; hence, interpretation of results should be cautious. Identified gaps included scarce research on mental ill-health of mothers of adults with IDs at different stages of the caregiving trajectory. CONCLUSIONS There is evidence of poorer mental ill-health in mothers of people with IDs compared with mothers of typically developing people, but lack of focus on different stages of the caregiving trajectory, methodological inconsistencies between studies and lack of robust studies pose limitations. This highlights the need both for improved support for mothers of people with IDs and for further methodologically robust research.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rydzewska
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - K Dunn
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - S-A Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Kinnear
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Liu R, Dong H, Wang Y, Lu X, Li Y, Xun G, Ou J, Shen Y, Xia K, Zhao J. Sleep Problems of Children with Autism May Independently Affect Parental Quality of Life. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:488-499. [PMID: 32725386 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01035-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current study explored how and to what extent sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) impacted their parents' quality of life (QOL). A total of 440 ASD children and 344 age-matched typically developing (TD) children were included in the case-control designed study. In the TD group, a linear regression model showed that the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) total scores were negatively associated with maternal mental health summary (MCS) scores in the SF-36v2 (β = - 2.831), while in the ASD group, the CSHQ total scores were negatively associated with the parental physical health summary (PCS) scores (β = - 3.030 for mothers, β = - 3.651 for fathers). Path analysis showed that sleep problems in ASD children had both direct and indirect effects on maternal PCS scores. The results indicated that sleep problems in children with ASD might affect parental QOL differently from TD children, and act as independent impact factors on parental physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiting Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.,Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huixi Dong
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.,Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaozi Lu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guanglei Xun
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianjun Ou
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Yidong Shen
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
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YARAR F, BAYRAMOĞLU S, ŞENOL H. COVID-19 Pandemi Döneminin Özel Gereksinimli Çocuk Annelerinde Anksiyete ve Yaşam Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi. DÜZCE ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI ENSTITÜSÜ DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.33631/duzcesbed.871934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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27
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Resilience in Mothers of Children with Congenital Zika Syndrome. Matern Child Health J 2021; 25:855-859. [PMID: 33881730 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03124-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resilience is a dynamic process influenced by life circumstances. This study evaluated the association between resilience and anxiety, depressive symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) of mothers of children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). METHOD This was a cross-sectional study including 31 mothers of children with CZS assisted in rehabilitation centers in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil, an endemic area for Zika virus (ZIKV). RESULTS Mothers' age ranged from 18 to 42 years and all of them had low income. There were high levels of anxiety (scores > 40) in 80.6% of mothers and 19.3% had moderate (scores 19-29) to severe (scores 30-63) depressive symptoms. We found a relationship between increased levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms and lower levels of personal competence (p = 0.007) and acceptance of self and life (p = 0.003), respectively. We also found a positive relationship between social QoL and personal competence (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION This study showed that lower personal competence is significantly associated to psychological distress and poorer social QoL in mothers of children with CZS.
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Bitsika V, Sharpley CF. Symptom profiles and correlates of anxiety and depression among parents of autistic girls and boys. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 111:103874. [PMID: 33524737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although it has been reported for some time that parenting an autistic child is associated with elevated anxiety and depression, no direct comparison has been published regarding the relative anxiety and depressive states of parents of an autistic son versus an autistic daughter. AIMS To investigate the presence of differences in anxiety and depression in parents of autistic girls and boys, and to identify if there were any meaningful child-based correlates of those states. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A sample of 51 parents of young autistic males (M age = 10.2 yr, SD = 2.8 yr, range to 6-17 yr) and 51 parents of autistic females (M age = 10.1 yr, SD = 2.7 yr, range to 6-17 yr) completed the GAD7 and PHQ9. Autistic children were assessed for IQ and autism severity. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Although there were no significant differences between the two sets of parents' GAD7 or PHQ9 total scores, there were significant and meaningful differences at the individual GAD7 and PHQ9 item level. Moreover, when examined at the within-child-sex subgroup level, different aspects of the autistic sons' and daughters' age and IQ were correlated with specific items from the GAD7 and PHQ9. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Because these items were somatic in nature, implications are discussed for possible treatment strategies with these parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Bitsika
- Brain-Behaviour Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Christopher F Sharpley
- Brain-Behaviour Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia.
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29
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A Systematic Review: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Parents of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:124-141. [PMID: 33635420 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04923-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. PsychInfo, CINAHL, PubMed, Science Direct, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection were searched using the terms "acceptance and commitment", "autism" and "parent". A total of eight articles met the eligibility criteria. One study was a randomized controlled trial, one was quasi-experimental, and the other six were exploratory. Study outcomes concerned ACT processes, mental health, and quality of life. These studies showed that ACT interventions can be helpful for the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Nevertheless, as this field of research is relatively new, future research would benefit from creating a standard procedure and larger randomized controlled trials .
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30
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Mundal I, Laake P, Mezzich J, Bjørkly SK, Lara-Cabrera ML. Assessment of the Quality of Life in Parents of Children With ADHD: Validation of the Multicultural Quality of Life Index in Norwegian Pediatric Mental Health Settings. Front Psychol 2021; 12:638006. [PMID: 33613407 PMCID: PMC7894072 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The brief generic Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI) is a culturally informed self-report 10-item questionnaire used to measure health-related quality of life (QoL). QoL is an important outcome measure in guiding healthcare and is held as a substantial parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children might negatively influence the parents' QoL. Having a validated questionnaire to measure QoL for this population will therefore be a vital first step in guiding healthcare for parents of children with ADHD. We aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the MQLI in a sample of parents of children with ADHD. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 128 parents of children with ADHD were recruited from four outpatient clinics within the Child and Adolescents Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Norway. They completed the MQLI along with an alternative well-being scale, the Five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5), and a form including demographic variables. Reliability and validity of the MQLI were examined. We conducted a factor analysis and calculated internal consistency and the correlation between the MQLI and the WHO-5. Results: Factor analysis of the parents reported MQLI yielded a one-factor solution. For the MQLI, Cronbach's alpha was 0.73. The correlation between the two measures of MQLI and WHO-5 was high (r = 0.84), reflecting convergent validity since the association between the two measures was strong. Conclusion: Results from this study support the reliability and validity of the Norwegian version of the MQLI for assessment of quality of life in parents of children with ADHD with good psychometric properties. Study findings support the use of the questionnaire in CAMHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingunn Mundal
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Molde University College, Molde, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Kristiansund Community Mental Health Centre, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, Kristiansund, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Petter Laake
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Molde University College, Molde, Norway
- Department of Biostatistics, Oslo Centre for Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Juan Mezzich
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- San Fernando School of Medicine, San Marcos National University, Lima, Peru
- International College of Person-Centered Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stål K. Bjørkly
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Molde University College, Molde, Norway
- Centre for Forensic Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mariela Loreto Lara-Cabrera
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Tiller Community Mental Health Centre, St. Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Division of Mental Health, Department of Research and Development, St Olav’s University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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31
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Sheidanik S, Savabi-Esfahani M, Ghamarani A, Erfani A. The association of psychological well-being and fertility intention in parents of children with intellectual disability: A foundation for reproductive education. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2021; 10:13. [PMID: 33688522 PMCID: PMC7933693 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_679_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Childbearing is an important event in a couple's life. The parents might have children with disability that affected on their well-being after the children's birth. Well-being considered as an important aspect of a couple's quality of life which may alter the future of their fertility. The present study was conducted to the association of psychological well-being and fertility intention in parents with educable intellectually disabled children. METHODS The study was a cross-sectional descriptive research conducted on parents of children with intellectual disability (n = 386). Parents were selected randomly of schools of exceptional education and welfare. The data were collected using Ryff's scale of psychological well-being, demographic information, and fertility intention questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests including independent t-test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Logistic regression. RESULTS The majority of parents (83.9%) reported the negative infertility intention. Despite the mean score of well-being in parents without fertility intention (75.71 ± 11.67) was lower than parents with fertility intention (76.90 ± 11.27), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the parents' age and number of children with intellectual disability were predictors of fertility intention (P < 0.05), and their increase decreased the fertility intention. CONCLUSION It seems that the lack of difference in psychological well-being scores between the two groups of parents might be due to the equal severity of disability in children. The results also indicated parents' age and the number of children correlated with fertility intention. The findings can be used to advance counseling programs in the field of healthy reproduction for this group of parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Sheidanik
- MSc Student of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mitra Savabi-Esfahani
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Ghamarani
- Department of Psychology and Education of Children with Special Needs, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Erfani
- Department of Social Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Nipissing University, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Su X, Cai RY, Uljarević M, Van Herwegen J, Dukes D, Yang Y, Peng X, Samson AC. Brief Report: A Cross-Sectional Study of Anxiety Levels and Concerns of Chinese Families of Children With Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Post-first-wave of COVID-19. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:708465. [PMID: 34616315 PMCID: PMC8488298 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.708465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has a multifaceted impact on mental health due to ill health, restrictions and lockdowns, and loss of employment and institutional support. COVID-19 may disproportionally impact families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) due to the already higher prevalence of mental health conditions in children with SEND and their parents. Therefore, it is essential to determine the short-term impact of the pandemic on the mental health of families with SEND in order to identify their ongoing health support needs. The current study aims to examine the anxiety level and concerns of children with SEND and their parents living in China. The sample consisted of 271 parents of children with SEND aged between 6 and 17 years (M age = 8.37; SD age = 2.76). Parents completed an online survey between 10 April to 8 June 2020. Both child and parental anxiety levels and various concerns increased after the initial wave of COVID-19 when compared with retrospective pre-COVID-19 levels. Parental anxiety and concern levels were significantly higher for those living in rural areas compared to urban areas. In addition, parental and child anxiety and concern levels were significantly correlated with each other. Parental anxiety at the lowest level made a unique and significant statistical contribution to children's anxiety levels. The implications of the study findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyun Su
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru Ying Cai
- Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, Autism Spectrum Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mirko Uljarević
- Faculty of Medicine, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yufang Yang
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education and Changning Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrea C Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.,Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Psychology, Unidistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
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Park EY. Parental Caregiving Burden, Depression, Social Support, and Life Satisfaction: A Multigroup Analysis of Social Support for Parents of Young Children Suffering From Brain Lesions. REHABILITATION COUNSELING BULLETIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0034355220983461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Social support refers to people’s interpersonal relationships and is a potentially powerful mediator for caregivers’ life satisfaction. This study examined the relationships between parental caregiver burden, depression, social support, and life satisfaction. It compared these relation variables between parents of preschool- and school-aged children, as mediator effects of social support may differ across age ranges. Data were used from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea’s research on support services and policies for people with brain lesions. Parental caregivers of preschool- ( n = 93) and school-aged ( n = 91) children participated in this study. A multigroup analysis indicated a significant negative relationship between caregiving burden and depression with social support and parental life satisfaction and a significant positive relation for social support with life satisfaction for the overall group, preschool- and school aged. Social support was a mediator for each group; however, the regression weight differed between preschool- and school-aged children’s parents. The study confirms the importance of caregivers’ social support and suggests a need for family support strategies that account for children’s ages.
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Quality of Life and Concerns in Parent Caregivers of Adult Children Diagnosed with Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228690. [PMID: 33238511 PMCID: PMC7709017 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have confirmed that parenting a child diagnosed with an intellectual disability (ID) can negatively affect the parents’ quality of life in several dimensions. However, fewer have assessed its impact years after the initial diagnosis. The objective of this work was to carry out an in-depth analysis of the current quality of life and concerns of both mothers and fathers of adults diagnosed with ID, having as a reference the moment of the diagnosis. Methods: 16 parents of adult children with ID were evaluated using a semi-structured interview format. A thematic qualitative analysis was carried out by employing ATLAS.ti software. Results: The results suggested that both the emotional and physical well-being of parents, as well as their interpersonal relationships, had declined. In addition, the multiple life changes that had occurred over the time considered in this study, as well as day-to-day worries, had prevented improvements in their quality of life. Conclusions: Several dimensions of the parents’ quality of life were affected years after a child is diagnosed with ID. These included poor physical and psychological health, economic difficulties, lack of social and family support, and lack of time for self-care.
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Koukouriki E, Soulis SG. Self-reported Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and Anxiety Among Greek School-Age Siblings of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Relation to Parental Mental Health and Social Support. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:2913-2930. [PMID: 32040799 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and anxiety were measured in 233 school-age siblings of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and siblings of Typically Developing (TD) children in Greece. The aim of the study was to investigate for any association between siblings' HRQOL or anxiety and parental mental health, perceived social support as well as major demographic factors. It was found that the disability group (ASD-sibs) showed elevated anxiety levels and poorer HRQOL than controls. In hierarchical multiple regression models, the anxiety of ASD-sibs was significantly associated with parental anxiety independent of parental perceived social support and demographic factors, whereas the HRQOL of ASD-sibs was associated with perceived social support independent of parental physical and mental health and demographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Koukouriki
- Department of Primary Education, Special Education Laboratory, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece. .,, Amalias 24, 42132, Trikala, Greece.
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36
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Richa S, Khoury R, JRouhayem J, Chammay R, Kazour F, Bou Khalil R, Kheir W, Choueifaty D, Kouba-Hreich E, Gerbaka B, Adib S. Estimating the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in Lebanon. Encephale 2020; 46:414-419. [PMID: 32928536 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey examines the prevalence rate of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 818 children (16-48 months) across all Lebanese regions. Screening was done using the revised form of the Modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers. Based on the total score of items failed, children were classified into 3 categories of ASD risk (low, moderate and high). Phone calls follow-up interviews and clinical assessments for diagnosis ascertainment were conducted. Given the caregivers' reluctance to participate, the prevalence rate was estimated between 49 and 513 per 10,000 with a male predominance. Our prevalence estimation, even under restrictive assumptions, is higher than elsewhere in the Arab region. Anti- stigma interventions adapted to the socio-cultural context are needed prior to future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Richa
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - R Khoury
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - J JRouhayem
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - R Chammay
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - F Kazour
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - R Bou Khalil
- Department of Psychiatry, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - W Kheir
- Ministry of public health, Lebanon
| | - D Choueifaty
- Department of Nursing, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - E Kouba-Hreich
- Department of Nursing, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - B Gerbaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Saint-Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S Adib
- Department of Epidemiology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bitsika V, Sharpley CF. Age-related differences in the association between autistic sons’ challenging behaviour and maternal anxiety and depression: implications for counsellors. BRITISH JOURNAL OF GUIDANCE & COUNSELLING 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2020.1750561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Bitsika
- Brain-Behaviour Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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38
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Ten Hoopen LW, de Nijs PFA, Duvekot J, Greaves-Lord K, Hillegers MHJ, Brouwer WBF, Hakkaart-van Roijen L. Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Caregivers: Capturing Health-Related and Care-Related Quality of Life. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:263-277. [PMID: 31625009 PMCID: PMC6946729 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04249-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated health-related QoL (HRQoL) and care-related quality of life (CarerQol) in clinically referred children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and their primary and secondary caregivers. The EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) and the CarerQol questionnaires were used to respectively measure health-related QoL and care-related QoL. Primary caregivers reported pain/discomfort (42%) and anxiety/depression (40%). In caring, they mostly experienced problems in the relationship with the child (84%), and in combining care with daily activities (51%). Children with ASD had a relevantly lower QoL. Despite negative effects, almost all caregivers (96%) derived fulfillment from caring for their affected children. HRQoL and CarerQol reports of primary caregivers and children were correlated, both providing useful information to ASD measurement and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leontine W Ten Hoopen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pieter F A de Nijs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jorieke Duvekot
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius Mental Health, P.O. Box 753, 3300 AT, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Manon H J Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius Mental Health, P.O. Box 753, 3300 AT, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Werner B F Brouwer
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leona Hakkaart-van Roijen
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Cohn LN, Pechlivanoglou P, Lee Y, Mahant S, Orkin J, Marson A, Cohen E. Health Outcomes of Parents of Children with Chronic Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pediatr 2020; 218:166-177.e2. [PMID: 31916997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess health outcomes of parents caring for children with chronic illnesses compared with parents of healthy children. STUDY DESIGN We searched OvidSP MEDLINE, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and EBSCOHost CINAHL through September 2019. Included were English-language studies reporting health conditions or mortality of parents of affected children compared with healthy controls. RESULTS Of 12 181 screened publications, 26 met inclusion criteria. Eight studies reported on anxiety, 23 on depression, 1 on mortality, and 1 on cardiovascular disease. Parents of chronically ill children had greater anxiety (standardized mean difference 0.42; 95% CI 0.24-0.60; P < .001) and depression scores (standardized mean difference 0.35; 95% CI 0.26-0.45; P < .001) than parents of healthy children. Thirty-five percent of parents of affected children met cut-offs for clinical depression, compared with 19% in the control (relative risk 1.75; 95% CI 1.55-1.97). Fifty-seven percent of such parents met cut-offs for anxiety, compared with 38% in the control (relative risk 1.40; 95% CI 1.18-1.67). One study of mothers of children with congenital anomalies reported a greater mortality risk than a comparison (adjusted hazard ratio 1.22; 95% CI 1.15-1.29), and another reported that these mothers experience an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (adjusted hazard ratio 1.15; 95% CI 1.07-1.23). CONCLUSIONS Parents of chronically ill children experience poorer mental health (more anxiety and depression), and mothers of those with congenital anomalies may have greater risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality than parents of unaffected children. Our findings suggest a need for targeted interventions to attenuate adverse parental caregiver health outcomes. PRIOR REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42018094657 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=94657).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liel N Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Petros Pechlivanoglou
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health, Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yuna Lee
- Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjay Mahant
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health, Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Orkin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alanna Marson
- The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eyal Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Health, Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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FIGUEIREDO AA, LOMAZI EA, MONTENEGRO MA, BELLOMO-BRANDÃO MA. QUALITY OF LIFE IN CAREGIVERS OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND GASTROSTOMY TUBE FEEDING. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2020; 57:3-7. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood. Caregivers of patients presenting tetraparesis cerebral palsy (TCP) and gastrostomy tube feeding (GTF) were selected for this study because both conditions represent a great demand for their caregivers. OBJECTIVE: To describe the quality of life related to the state of health of caregivers of patients with TCP who were fed by gastrostomy, to assess the results linked to the mental health of these caregivers, to compare our data with data from other studies on children with cerebral palsy without gastrostomy and to evaluate the possible interference of gastrostomy in the quality of life. METHODS: A number of 30 major caregivers were interviewed and assessed. Quality of life and mental health tools applied and analyzed only for caregivers were: Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), WHOQOL-BREF and Beck scales. Other information (age, gender, marital status, number of residents per household and psychological support) was evaluated. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze. A 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: Results obtained through questionnaires are as follows: moderate hopelessness in 20% of caregivers (the higher the number of residents per household the higher the level of caregiver’s hopelessness); moderate and severe anxiety in 33.33% of the sample studied; moderate and severe depression identified in 46.67% of interviewed caregivers; health-related quality of life of caregivers of patients with TCP were found to be below world averages; no significant figures for suicide potential were noted for the population under this study. CONCLUSION: The HRQOL of caregivers of TCP patients who were fed by gastrostomy is below the average of the general population. Our results are very similar to those found in other studies that evaluated caregivers of patients with cerebral palsy with different degrees of neurological impairment and no report of using GTF, suggesting that the presence of gastrostomy did not negatively interfere with the caregiver’s HRQOL.
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Marquis SM, McGrail K, Hayes MV. Mental health outcomes among parents of a child who has a developmental disability: Comparing different types of developmental disability. Disabil Health J 2019; 13:100874. [PMID: 31796336 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2019.100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is very little information on the effects of different types of developmental disability on the mental health of parents of children who have a DD. OBJECTIVE This paper compared the mental health of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and other types of DD. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used to examine population-level administrative health data for mental health outcomes in cohorts of fathers and mothers of children with four different types of a DD. As well as type of DD, additional variables were examined, these included: sex of the parent, age of the parent at birth of the child with the DD, income, sex of the child with the DD, number of children in the family and place of residence. RESULTS For both fathers and mothers odds of a diagnosis of depression or another mental health problem were associated with type of DD. Parents of children with FAS experienced the greatest odds of a depression or other mental health diagnosis. Odds of a diagnosis for fathers were associated with low income. Odds of a diagnosis for mothers were associated with the sex of the child with the DD. CONCLUSIONS These findings are important for understanding families which include a child with a DD, as a guide for future research, and for developing effective programs and services for these parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Marquis
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, PO BOX 1700, STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
| | - Kimberlyn McGrail
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 201-2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Michael V Hayes
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, PO BOX 1700, STN CSC, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada.
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Dey M, Paz Castro R, Haug S, Schaub MP. Quality of life of parents of mentally-ill children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2019; 28:563-577. [PMID: 30078381 PMCID: PMC6999041 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796018000409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To examine the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with a specific mental disorder (any age). METHODS Relevant articles were searched using different databases. Articles were included that compared the QOL of parents with mentally-ill children to parents of healthy controls or norm values or provided the required data for this comparison. A meta-analysis was conducted to obtain an overall mean effect size estimate. Additional analyses were performed to assess publication bias and moderation. RESULTS Twenty-six out of 10 548 articles met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. Most of these studies focused on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder, used clinical samples that mainly included males and young children and studied the QOL of mothers. The meta-analysis revealed that parents of mentally-ill children are experiencing a clinically relevant reduction in their QOL relative to parents of healthy children and norm values (g = -0.66). CONCLUSIONS The compromised QOL of parents of mentally-ill children needs to be considered and addressed by health professionals who are in contact with them. The paper provides insights into existing research gaps and suggests improvements for subsequent work.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Dey
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R. Paz Castro
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S. Haug
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M. P. Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Alvarenga ÉDSL, Silva AM, da Silva TAE, de Araújo RF, Prado Júnior RR, Mendes RF. Oral health-related quality of life in caregivers of individuals with Cerebral Palsy: a case-control study. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2019; 21:193-202. [PMID: 31471856 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-019-00472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM The object of this study is to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of caregivers of individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP). METHODS Ninety-eight caregivers of individuals with CP (SG) and 196 caregivers of individuals without special needs (CG) completed the reduced version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). In addition, a questionnaire with demographic and socioeconomic questions was used. Groups were matched according to gender, schooling and family income. Fisher's exact tests, Chi square and Mann-Whitney, and bi/multivariate logistic regression were used (p < 0.05). RESULTS The impact on OHRQoL was similar for SG and CG (OHIP-14 total score). For SG, the high negative impact was in the following OHIP domains: "Functional limitation", "Physical disability", "Psychological incapacity" and "Disadvantages". For SG, a higher number of caregivers was single, unemployed, received government financial aid. There was a statistically significant association between the number of children a caregiver has and a negative impact on OHRQoL. CONCLUSIONS Being a caregiver of children with or without CP had a negative impact of similar magnitude on ORHQoL. The negative impact on OHRQoL of caregivers of children with CP was associated with having a high number of children; the higher the number of children, the greater the negative impact on their OHRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- É da S L Alvarenga
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, Bloco 5, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
| | - A M Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, Bloco 5, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil.
| | - T A E da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, Bloco 5, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
| | - R F de Araújo
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, Bloco 5, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
| | - R R Prado Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, Bloco 5, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
| | - R F Mendes
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Piauí, UFPI, Campus Universitário Ministro Petrônio Portella, Bloco 5, Bairro Ininga, Teresina, PI, CEP: 64049-550, Brazil
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Catchpool M, Gold L, Grobler AC, Clifford SA, Wake M. Health-related quality of life: population epidemiology and concordance in Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents. BMJ Open 2019; 9:157-164. [PMID: 31273026 PMCID: PMC6624055 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the distribution of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a national sample of Australian children aged 11-12 years and their parents, and examine associations within parent-child dyads. DESIGN The Child Health CheckPoint, a population-based cross-sectional study nested between waves 6 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). SETTING Assessment centres in seven Australian cities and eight regional towns, or home visit; February 2015 to March 2016. PARTICIPANTS Of all participating CheckPoint families (n=1874), 1853 children (49.0% girls) and 1863 parents (87.7% mothers) with HRQL data were included (1786 pairs). OUTCOME MEASURES HRQL was self-reported using preference-based (Child Health Utility 9Dimension, CHU9D) and non-preference-based (Pediatric Quality of Life, PedsQL V.4.0) measures for children and preference-based measures for parents (CHU9D; Assessment of Quality of Life 8 Dimension, AQoL-8D). Utility scores from preference-based measures were calculated using existing Australian algorithms to present a score on a 0-1 scale, where 1 represents full health. Parent-child concordance was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients and adjusted linear regression models. Survey weights and methods were applied to account for LSAC's complex sample design, stratification and clustering within postcodes. RESULTS Children's means and SD were 0.81 (SD 0.16) for CHU9D and 78.3 (SD 13.03) for PedsQL. In adults, mean HRQL for AQoL-8D and CHU9D were 0.78 (SD 0.16) and 0.89 (SD 0.10), respectively. Mean HRQL was similar for boys and girls, but slightly higher for fathers than mothers. The Pearson correlation coefficient for parent-child CHU9D values was 0.13 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.18). Percentiles and concordance are presented for both samples for males and females separately and together. CONCLUSIONS We provide Australian paediatric population values for HRQL measures, and the first national CHU9D values for mid-life adults. At age 11-12 years in this relatively healthy sample, parent-child concordance in HRQL was small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Catchpool
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lisa Gold
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anneke C Grobler
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan A Clifford
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Wake
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics and the Liggins Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Baghdadli A, Miot S, Rattaz C, Akbaraly T, Geoffray MM, Michelon C, Loubersac J, Traver S, Mortamais M, Sonié S, Pottelette J, Robel L, Speranza M, Vesperini S, Maffre T, Falissard B, Picot MC. Investigating the natural history and prognostic factors of ASD in children: the multicEntric Longitudinal study of childrEN with ASD - the ELENA study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026286. [PMID: 31221874 PMCID: PMC6588969 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is global concern about the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are early-onset and long-lasting disorders. Although ASDs are considered to comprise a unique syndrome, their clinical presentation and outcome vary widely. Large-scale and long-term cohort studies of well-phenotyped samples are needed to better understand the course of ASDs and their determinants. The primary objective of the multicEntric Longitudinal study of childrEN with ASD (ELENA) study is to understand the natural history of ASD in children and identify the risk and prognostic factors that affect their health and development. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multicentric, longitudinal, prospective, observational cohort in which 1000 children with ASD diagnosed between 2 and 16 years of age will be recruited by 2020 and followed over 6 years. The baseline follow-up starts with the clinical examination to establish the ASD diagnosis. A battery of clinical tools consisting of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the revised version of the Autism Diagnostic Interview, measures of intellectual functioning, as well as large-scale behavioural and developmental measurements will allow us to study the heterogeneity of the clinical presentation of ASD subtypes. Subsequent follow-up at 18 months and at 3, 4.5 and 6 years after the baseline examination will allow us to explore the developmental trajectories and variables associated with the severity of ASD. In addition to the children's clinical and developmental examinations, parents are invited to complete self-reported questionnaires concerning perinatal and early postnatal history, congenital anomalies, genetic factors, lifestyle factors, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and the socioeconomic environment. As of 1 November 2018, a total of 766 participants have been included. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained through the Marseille Mediterranean Ethics Committee (ID RCB: 2014-A01423-44), France. We aim to disseminate the findings through national and international conferences, international peer-reviewed journals, and social media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02625116; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaria Baghdadli
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- U1178, INSERM, Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Sante des Populations, Villejuif, France
| | - Stéphanie Miot
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- U1178, INSERM, Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Sante des Populations, Villejuif, France
| | - Cécile Rattaz
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Tasnime Akbaraly
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- U1198, MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Maude Geoffray
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Loubersac
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sabine Traver
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marion Mortamais
- Department of Psychiatry and Autism Resources Center, Montpellier University and University Hospital (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandrine Sonié
- Centre de Ressources autisme Rhône-Alpes, CH Le Vinatier, Bron, France
- UMR 5292, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (CNRS), Lyon, France
| | - Julien Pottelette
- Service de Psychiatrie de L'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Pole Psychiatrie, Santé Mentale et Addictologie, Centre Ressources Autisme, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurence Robel
- Service de Pédopsychiatrie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Mario Speranza
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
- EA 4047 HANDIReSP, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - Stéphanie Vesperini
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, University Hospital CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Thierry Maffre
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Centre de Ressources Autisme Midi-Pyrénées, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Falissard
- U1178, INSERM, Centre de recherche en Epidemiologie et Sante des Populations, Villejuif, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Department of Medical Information, University Research and Hospital Center (CHU) of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Coping strategies of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2019; 28:747-758. [PMID: 29915911 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1183-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
To deal with stress, parents of children with ASD use coping strategies that help to tackle the challenging situations of raising their child. This systematic review examines parental coping strategy's questionnaires, factors which influence these coping strategies, interactions between these strategies and perceived stress and their impact on parental quality of life. According to PRISMA guidelines, an electronic search was conducted on Medline, PsycInfo and Eric: 156 articles were identified and 11 studies were selected. Many types of self-reported questionnaires were used to assess parental coping strategies. Studies highlighted that parents of a child with ASD used more avoidance strategies and less social support-seeking strategies than those of typical children. Furthermore, problem-focused coping protects parental stress and quality of life, that on the contrary, emotion-focused coping is a risk factor for alteration. Our systematic review illustrates the need to adapt psychoeducational interventions for parents of children with ASD.
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Papadopoulos C, Lodder A, Constantinou G, Randhawa G. Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Autism Stigma and Informal Caregiver Mental Health. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:1665-1685. [PMID: 30569408 PMCID: PMC6450836 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3835-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Families play a crucial role in determining the mental health of the autistic individual(s) they are caring for. However, the stigma associated with autism can impair caregiver health. To investigate this, empirical evidence pertaining to stigma’s impact on informal caregivers’ mental health was systematically reviewed. All twelve included studies (n = 1442 informal caregivers) consistently reported the impact of autism related stigma upon caregiver mental health to be significant, meaningful and complex. A new theoretical framework describing the relationship between stigma and caregiver mental health is constructed. Moderating variables include those both changeable through intervention (e.g. hopelessness, self-esteem, self-compassion) and not changeable (gender, culture, financial burden and time since diagnosis). Implications and recommendations for professionals, interventions and future research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Papadopoulos
- University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury Campus, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE, UK.
| | - Annemarie Lodder
- University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury Campus, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE, UK
| | - Georgina Constantinou
- University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury Campus, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE, UK
| | - Gurch Randhawa
- University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury Campus, Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 8LE, UK
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Karaivazoglou K, Papadaki E, Iconomou G, Touliatos G, Kotsopoulos S, Assimakopoulos K. Psychological distress and health-related quality of life in parents of children referred to an outpatient service for children with developmental disorders. Australas Psychiatry 2019; 27:152-156. [PMID: 30474387 DOI: 10.1177/1039856218815754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study's aim was to measure anxiety, depression and quality of life in parents of children referred for developmental evaluation. METHODS The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Short Form 36 Health Survey were used to assess anxiety, depression and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS One hundred and thirty parents participated in the study, 95 with a child referred for evaluation and 35 with healthy children. Parents of developmentally impaired children reported increased anxiety ( p=0.002) and depression ( p<0.001) and worse social functioning ( p=0.002) and mental health ( p=0.017). Mothers of developmentally impaired children reported significantly increased anxiety symptoms ( p=0.012) and bodily pain ( p=0.046) and lower levels of vitality ( p=0.009), social functioning ( p=0.005) and mental health ( p=0.008). More children in the family correlated with increased anxiety scores ( p=0.021), while higher child age was associated with more anxiety symptoms ( p=0.002), more role limitations due to emotional problems ( p=0.003) and worse mental health ( p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS Parenting children with developmental difficulties is associated with significant psychological distress and disturbed quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Karaivazoglou
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Day Centre for Children with Autism Spectrum and other Developmental Disorders, Messolonghi, Greece
| | - Ermioni Papadaki
- Social Worker, Day Centre for Children with Autism Spectrum and other Developmental Disorders, Messolonghi, Greece
| | - Gregoris Iconomou
- Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Touliatos
- Administrative Supervisor, Day Centre for Children with Autism Spectrum and other Developmental Disorders, Messolonghi, Greece
| | - Sotirios Kotsopoulos
- Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Day Centre for Children with Autism Spectrum and other Developmental Disorders, Messolonghi, Greece
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Padden C, Concialdi-McGlynn C, Lydon S. Psychophysiological measures of stress in caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:149-163. [PMID: 29652216 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1460769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often self-report heightened levels of stress and physical health problems. This paper reviewed studies assessing physiological measures of stress among parents of children with ASD. METHODS Systematic database searches identified 15 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Studies were reviewed to determine: (a) control group characteristics; (b) caregiver and care recipient characteristics; (c) setting; (d) physiological measures employed; (e) physiological outcomes; and (f) stressor type. A measure of methodological quality was also applied. RESULTS Salivary cortisol was the most common physiological measure employed. A pattern of blunted physiological activity emerged within the reviewed studies, though some studies reported normal or even higher physiological activity among this population. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggested dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis and autonomic nervous system for some, but not all, parents of children with ASD. Further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Padden
- a Tizard Centre , University of Kent , Canterbury , UK
| | | | - Sinead Lydon
- b School of Psychology , Trinity College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland.,c School of Medicine , National University of Ireland Galway , Galway , Ireland
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50
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Parenting and Future Anxiety: The Impact of Having a Child with Developmental Disabilities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16040668. [PMID: 30823540 PMCID: PMC6406654 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16040668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined differences in future anxiety (FA) among mothers and fathers of children with and without developmental disabilities (DD), and it also analyzed differences in FA within the group of parents of children with DD taking into consideration parent-related factors and child-related factors. A group of 167 parents of children with DD were compared to a group of 103 parents of children with typical development. The group with DD included children with autism spectrum disorders, sensory disorders, and intellectual disability. Parents completed the Future Anxiety Scale-FAS1. Mothers of children with DD had a higher general level of FA than fathers of children with and without DD. Mothers of children with DD reported higher anxiety about their future health and the meaning of their future life than fathers of children with DD. For parents of children with DD, those with lower education, male children, and older children reported higher FA. The group at risk of highest general FA are mothers of children with DD, especially those without a professional career. Similarly, parents of teenagers and/or sons with DD are at increased risk of FA.
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