Factors associated with the quality of life of mothers of patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Published in: Mundo da saúde (1995) Vol. 46; pp. 43 - 53
• Main Authors: Gonçalves de Castro, Gisélia, Silva Vieira, Adriele Laurinda, de Freitas Santos, Nilce Maria
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centro Universitário São Camilo 01-01-2022
• Subjects: autism spectrum disorder. quality-of-life. caregivers. caregiver burnout
• ISSN: 0104-7809; 1980-3990
• DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.202246043053

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined as a syndrome that interferes with neurodevelopment. Considered a chronic disorder, it requires special care from mothers and may compromise their quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with health-related quality of life of mothers of ASD children. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study. An instrument developed by the authors was used to assess the mother's sociodemographic variables and variables related to the child's health and the WHOQOL-Bref instrument to assess the mothers' quality of life. 77 mothers participated in the study. Most mothers were between 30 and 45 years old (60.6%), were white (61.04%), and had completed high school (52.9%). Concerning the children, 37.7% were between 5 and 10 years old, most without physical limitations (93.55%) and were male (77.92%). There was an association between the lowest score in the physical domain of the mother's quality of life and the male sex of the child (p=0.046); the variable single marital status was associated with lower scores in the psychological domains (p=0049) and social relationships (p=0.025). It is concluded that support measures are necessary to improve the physical, psychological, and social domains of mothers of autistic children, especially those who are single and do not have the support of a spouse.