Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Formal and Informal Caregivers of Autistic Children in Karachi

Objectives: This study assesses the frequency of depression, anxiety, and stress in formal and informal caregivers of autistic children in Karachi City, Pakistan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of autistic children in specified centers in Karachi City, Pakistan. There were ۲۵۵ participants out of which ۱۱۱ were formal caregivers and ۱۴۴ were informal caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) was used to collect the data. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between the frequency of depression anxiety and stress among the two groups. Results: A total of ۷۶.۳% of informal caregivers were suffering from mild depression, ۵۹.۳% were moderately depressed, and ۷۶.۵% were severely depressed (P<۰.۰۱). Similarly, ۷۲.۴% had mild anxiety, ۶۸.۲% were moderately anxious, and ۵۰.۵% were severely anxious (P<۰.۰۱). In addition, ۷۵.۰% demonstrated mild, ۷۱.۱% moderate, ۸۵.۷% severe, and ۹۵.۰% extremely severe stress (P<۰.۰۱). However, there were no significant levels of depression, anxiety, and stress found among formal caregivers. Discussion: Depression, anxiety and stress were more commonly present in parents of autistic children (informal caregivers) as compared to formal caregivers.

کلیدواژه ها:

Autism spectrum disorder ، Informal caregiver ، Formal caregiver ، Depression ، Anxiety ، Stress