Quality of Life and Sleep Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Medina
Abstract
Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. While the impact of ASD on the child’s well-being is well-documented, there has been limited research on the impact of caring for an autistic child on the sleep patterns and quality of life (QoL) of parents and caregivers. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of having an autistic child on the QoL and sleep patterns of parents and caregivers in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study used validated questionnaires to assess sleep quality and QoL, with a sample of 89 participants. The questionnaire was distributed among parents and caregivers of autistic children at local healthcare centers. Result: The study revealed that the majority of respondents are mothers (70.8%), with children aged 5-7 years being the most common (39.3%), and 67.4% of children are males. Speech problems (47.2%) are the most prevalent issue among autistic children, followed by sleep disorders (20.2%), while a significant portion of parents experience anxiety symptoms (10.1%), depression symptoms (4.5%), and co-occurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms, seen in 5.6% of cases. Parents and caregivers of autistic children experienced moderate levels of sleep disturbance, as indicated by a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 6.74 ± standard deviation 2.89, with 44.9% of respondents reporting not feeling rested. Conclusion: The analysis of sleep quality and QoL…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 89 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.