» Articles » PMID: 39626883

Factors Associated with Self-rated Mental Health in Mothers of Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview
Date 2024 Dec 3
PMID 39626883
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

The rising demand for child care is putting a strain on parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly the mothers. This study investigated Chinese mothers of children with ASD and examined the factors associated with maternal mental health. An online national survey was completed by the parents of 5077 ASD children and adolescents aged 0‍‒‍17 years. A total of 28.0% of the mothers reported poor mental health status. Mothers with children aged 10‍‒‍13 years had a lower chance of having poor mental health status than mothers with children aged 0‒2 years (odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43‍‒‍0.91). Mothers of children with high-functioning autism were less likely to have poor mental health status than those of children with low-functioning autism (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62‍‒‍0.94). Having children with comorbidities was related with a higher risk of poor mental status (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.35‒1.81), as were having conflicts with other family members (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22‍‒‍1.70) and providing full-time care (OR 1.22, CI 1.06‍‒‍1.41). A higher-than-average family income was associated with lower risk of having poor mental health status (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58‍‒‍0.82). Factors related to the children and family, and providing full-time care, have a significant effect on mothers' mental health status. Reducing obstacles to work and social interaction, as well as tackling the financial burden of raising an ASD child, may help improve the well-being of mothers.

References
1.
Fletcher P, Markoulakis R, Bryden P . The costs of caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs. 2012; 35(1):45-69. DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2012.645407. View

2.
Adler B, Wink L, Early M, Shaffer R, Minshawi N, McDougle C . Drug-refractory aggression, self-injurious behavior, and severe tantrums in autism spectrum disorders: a chart review study. Autism. 2014; 19(1):102-6. DOI: 10.1177/1362361314524641. View

3.
Chawarska K, Klin A, Paul R, Volkmar F . Autism spectrum disorder in the second year: stability and change in syndrome expression. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2007; 48(2):128-38. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01685.x. View

4.
Davis N, Carter A . Parenting stress in mothers and fathers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: associations with child characteristics. J Autism Dev Disord. 2008; 38(7):1278-91. DOI: 10.1007/s10803-007-0512-z. View

5.
Vernhet C, Dellapiazza F, Blanc N, Cousson-Gelie F, Miot S, Roeyers H . Coping strategies of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2018; 28(6):747-758. DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1183-3. View