Level of depression of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Abstract Background: Depression is the most common disorders of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The problems associated with an autistic child are especially difficult for mothers, who are often the primary caregiver’s. The aim of this study was to find out the level of depression of mothers of children with ASD. Objectives of the study: The first objective was to identify the association between the level of depression and demographic characteristics of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The second objective was to identify the most common depressive symptoms of these mothers, and the third was to discover the prevalence of depression among mothers of children with ASD. Methodology: This study was conducted by the quantitative research with a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling. Data was collected by using standard questionnaire (Depression Scale). Data was processed by using SPSS software 17.0. Result and discussion: The result shows that socio-demographic characteristics like age, area, occupation, duration of child care, number of children and income do not have any significant association with the level of depression due to P-value >.05 but the educational level of the mothers had a significant association with their level of depression P -value is .034. Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders reported the following depressive symptoms like crying 64.8%, unable to participate in academic or professional activities as used to (61%), irritability, weak and fatigue 60%, unable to participate in social activities as used to 59%, reduced the speed of work and cannot remember as before 57.1%, difficulty concentrate in many things 55.2 %, and sleep less 51.4%.The result also shows that out of 105 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders, 42.9% had minimal depression, 19 % mild depression, 9.5% moderate and 28.6 % severe depression. Conclusion: Finally this study shows that mothers of ASD children need education and proper counseling to reduce their depression .These programs will be beneficial to mothers of ASD children.