Autism-Related Knowledge and Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kuwait: Demographic Predictors and Implications for Family Support.

PURPOSE: Despite growing recognition of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Gulf region, little is known about how caregiver characteristics relate to ASD-related knowledge and quality of life (QoL) in Kuwait. This study examined the association between demographic factors and both ASD-related knowledge and caregiver QoL among family caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 130 unpaid family caregivers of children and adolescents with a confirmed ASD diagnosis in Kuwait. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Parent/Caregiver Quality of Life questionnaire (ASDPC-QoL), and a 31-item ASD knowledge questionnaire. Chi-square tests, independent-samples t tests, and one-way ANOVAs were used to examine group differences.

RESULTS

Most participants were mothers (68.5%) and female (82.3%). Mean knowledge was 50.7% (SD = 19.2), with 64.6% classified as having poor knowledge. Misconceptions were most prevalent regarding curability, vaccination, and exceptional abilities. Mean overall QoL was 64.7 (SD = 14.5) on a 0-100 scale, with preoccupations scoring lowest. Higher income and educational attainment were associated with better knowledge. Male caregivers reported significantly higher mental health QoL than female caregivers (d = 0.46). Mothers and caregivers of children receiving rehabilitation services reported lower mental health and overall QoL.

CONCLUSION

Caregiver knowledge gaps and QoL burden varied systematically by gender, education, income, and caregiving role. Findings support the need for targeted, culturally informed psychoeducation and mental health support for caregivers in Kuwait, particularly mothers and lower-income families.