Quality of Life of Caregivers of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability and Typically Developing Children: a Comparison Study

Quality of life (QoL) relevant to the caregivers have received limited attention in emerging economies such as those in the Arabian Gulf region. This investigation (i) examines the socio-demographic characteristics of family caregivers with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities (ID) and typical development (TD), (ii) compares health satisfaction between family caregivers of children with ASD, ID, and TD and (iii) ascertains the relationship between QoL and socio-demographic factors among the families having children with ASD. The cohort constituted caregivers seeking consultation for their children with ASD (n = 220). The control group consisted of caregivers having children with ID (n = 109), and caregivers having children with TD (n = 125). An Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO QOL-BREF) was employed to measure QoL and health satisfaction. The study accrued 454 caregivers and the response rate was 82%. Compared to ID and TD, the caregivers having children with ASD scored lower on indices of QoL and endorsed poor health status. Socio-demographic factors such as higher education, which often entails steady employment, and higher-income appear to effect QoL among the caregivers having children with ASD. This study suggests that poor QoL appears to be pervasive in caregivers of children with developmental disorders in Oman. Within the continuous increase in the prevalence of ASD, QoL should be considered in the algorithm for remedial, medical and social services for children with disabilities and their caregivers. This evidence-based research could lay the foundation for intervention and future resource allocation for services by policy- or public health decision-makers.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers, such as those taking care of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in emerging economies. It finds that caregivers of children with ASD have lower QoL compared to those caring for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) or typical development (TD). Socio-demographic factors, such as higher education and income, appear to have an impact on the QoL of caregivers with children with ASD.