Effect of Nursing Intervention Program on Psychosocial Problems among Family Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Managing a child with autism is a difficult task that must be done daily. It has a huge impact on the child's well-being, the mental state of the parent, and their capacity to provide for their children. Recognizing the difficulties that parents face will open new avenues for research and the development of interventions. Aim: Evaluate the effect of nursing intervention program on psychosocial problems among family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Design: A quasi experimental design for one group (pre/post-test) was used. Setting: This study was carried out at the outpatient clinic of El Abbassia Psychiatric and Mental Health Hospital. Sampling: The study involved 75 family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Data Collection Tools: Four tools were used: Tool (I) Structured Interview questionnaire, Tool (II) Parenting Stress Index, Tool (III) Zarit Burden interviewing questionnaire for family caregivers, and Tool ( IV ) Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue-Community Stigma Scale. Results: This study shows that highly statistically significant differences were found between pre/post-program implementation in total levels of parenting stress, burden, and community stigma. In addition, there was a highly statistically significant correlation between total scores of parent stress, burden, and community stigma during the pre/post-program implementation phase (P≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Nursing intervention program has a significant positive effect on reduce psychosocial problems among family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Recommendations: Generate and manage nursing care plans for caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder should focus on their child's psychiatric mental health aspect and provide caregivers with sufficient social support