Caregiver strain and its predictors among parents of autistic children: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study estimates the frequency and predictors of caregiver strain (CGS) among parents of autistic children.
Methods: Demographic details and CGS were collected through a validated tool from 403 parents of autistic children in Karachi, Pakistan.  Regression modelling was performed to report associations between social, behavioural, and communication problems and  socioeconomic predictors of CGS. Results were reported using adjusted beta-coefficients with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: In total, 88.3% of the parents reported moderate to severe CGS. A high family income (β = −4.31, 95% CI −7.55, −0.11), and  caregiver’s higher level of education (β = −4.73, 95% CI −8.84, −0.61), along with care-recipient age group (β = −9.35, 95% CI −15.17, −3.52)  significantly predicted lower CGS. Diagnosis of more than 5 years (β = 7.57, 95% CI 2.36, 12.79), tendency to self-harm (β = 10.75, 95% CI  6.62, 14.88), and social withdrawal in the care-recipient (β = 4.56, 95% CI 1.68, 7.44) were significantly associated with higher CGS.  Conclusion: Parents of children on the autistic spectrum suffer from high CGS. There is a need to introduce tailored parenting  interventions at the individual and community levels to help parents reduce the CGS, ultimately benefiting their child.