Objectives To explore the level of negative effect on mental health and quality of life in mothers having child with mild or moderate autism. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 100 mothers having children between 3-10 years with mild to moderate autism with defence background and children over 10 years with severe autism were excluded. An informed consent was obtained. Using a quantitative experimental design, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) and the WHO Quality of Life Scale- Brief (WHOQOL-Brief) were administered to the mothers. The collected data was recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistical Package for the social sciences (SPSS Version 20).

Results Mothers scored moderately for anxiety (mean±SD, 10±6.4) and stress (mean±SD; 19±6.7) but borderline for depression (mean±SD; 11±7.7) based on DASS-21 questionnaire. WHOQOL-Brief indicated a decline in psychological health (T score=38) and mild decline in social relationships (T score=31). However, they were satisfied with their environment (T score=75) and physical health (T score=63) which may be due to their defence background, ensuring easier access to healthcare and better living conditions. Conclusion Mothers of children with ASD experience moderate levels of stress and anxiety and low levels of depression and decline in social relationship and psychological health.

Rahul Sinha
Command Hospital, Chandimandir
India

Karishma Rajpoot
Command Hospital, Chandimandir
India

Ananya Uniyal
Command Hospital, Chandimandir
India