IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 9861: Quality of Life and Child ’s Autism-Specific Difficulties among Malaysian Main Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

IJERPH, Vol. 18, Pages 9861: Quality of Life and Child’s Autism-Specific Difficulties among Malaysian Main Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health doi: 10.3390/ijerph18189861 Authors: Siti Fairus Asahar Khasnur Abd Malek Mohamad Rodi Isa Caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors associated with perceived QoL and how problematic a child’s autism-specific difficulties are among the main caregivers of children with ASD who attend specialized preschool programs at the National Autism Society of Malaysia and IDEAS Autism Centre located in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Utilizing the questions from Parts A and B of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA), the data from 116 responders were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression. The mean scores of Part A and Part B were 88.55 ± 17.25 and 56.55 ± 12.35, respectively. The QoL was significantly associated with staying in an apartment/flat −11.37 (95%CI: −19.52, −1.17, p = 0.008), main caregivers attending two training sessions 10.35 (95%CI: 1.17, 19.52, p = 0.028), and more than three training sessions 13.36 (95%CI: 2.01, 24.70, p = 0.022). Main caregiver perceptions of their child’s autistic-specific difficulties were significantly associated with not receiving additional help for childcare: no maid −13.54...
Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research