Quality of Life and Sleep Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Medina.

INTRODUCTION

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. While the impact of ASD on the child's well-being is well-documented, there has been limited research on the impact of caring for an autistic child on the sleep patterns and quality of life (QoL) of parents and caregivers. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of having an autistic child on the QoL and sleep patterns of parents and caregivers in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

The study used validated questionnaires to assess sleep quality and QoL, with a sample of 89 participants. The questionnaire was distributed among parents and caregivers of autistic children at local healthcare centers.

RESULT: The study revealed that the majority of respondents are mothers (70.8%), with children aged 5-7 years being the most common (39.3%), and 67.4% of children are males. Speech problems (47.2%) are the most prevalent issue among autistic children, followed by sleep disorders (20.2%), while a significant portion of parents experience anxiety symptoms (10.1%), depression symptoms (4.5%), and co-occurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms, seen in 5.6% of cases. Parents and caregivers of autistic children experienced moderate levels of sleep disturbance, as indicated by a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 6.74 ± standard deviation 2.89, with 44.9% of respondents reporting not feeling rested.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of sleep quality and QoL measures highlighted significant challenges faced by the participants, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support strategies to address the well-being of families affected.