Muna Alshekaili1, Naser Al-Balushi2, Hassan Mirza3, Salim Al-Huseini2, Manal Al-Balushi2, Sathiya Murthi Panchatcharam4, Sangeetha Mahadevan3, Nasser Al-Sibani3, Yahya M Al-Farsi5, Samir Al-Adawi3. 1. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Al Massara Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman. 2. Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman. 3. Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. 4. Research and Statistics, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman. 5. Department of Family Medicine & Public Health, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
Abstract
AIM: To explore the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among parents/primary care providers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among a systematic random sample of parents/caregivers of children with diagnosis of ASD in Muscat, Oman. Depressive symptoms were quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. FINDINGS: The response rate was at 86% (n = 80) and the prevalence of depressive symptoms, at 71.3% (95% confidence interval, 60.5-80.1). Logistic regression analyses indicated that unemployment and being the sole parent/caregiver in the family were both significant correlates of depressive symptoms. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: With an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with ASD, multidimensional preventive and remedial service programs for parents/caregivers will be essential.
AIM: To explore the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among parents/primary care providers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among a systematic random sample of parents/caregivers of children with diagnosis of ASD in Muscat, Oman. Depressive symptoms were quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. FINDINGS: The response rate was at 86% (n = 80) and the prevalence of depressive symptoms, at 71.3% (95% confidence interval, 60.5-80.1). Logistic regression analyses indicated that unemployment and being the sole parent/caregiver in the family were both significant correlates of depressive symptoms. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: With an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with ASD, multidimensional preventive and remedial service programs for parents/caregivers will be essential.