Digital health interventions targeting psychological health in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Research consistently shows that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a greater risk of psychological difficulties. While various interventions exist to enhance the psychological health of these parents, the potential of digital health interventions (DHIs) in this context remains underexplored.

Objective: This scoping review aims to examine the availability and effectiveness of DHIs designed to support the psychological health of parents of children with ASD.

Methods: A scoping review approach was used to map the available evidence. An expert medical librarian (JB) searched six major databases-(1) CINAHL, (2) Ovid EMBASE, (3) Ovid Global Health, (4) Ovid MEDLINE, (5) Ovid PsycINFO, and (6) Web of Science-to identify studies on ASD, digital health technologies, and intervention outcomes concerning the psychological health of parents of children with ASD. Searches were conducted in June 2024. Three independent reviewers (BJ, IMSB, and XP) conducted study selection and data extraction. The methods and reporting adhered to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

Results: A total of 53 studies published between 2013 and 2024 were identified, examining the effectiveness of DHIs on the psychological health of parents of children with ASD under 18 years of age. Most studies (54.7%) originated from the United States, followed by China (13.2%). In terms of intervention content, the studies primarily focus on parental skill training and support (n = 27), managing children's problem behavior and health (n = 15), and parental psychological health and emotional regulation (n = 11). Regarding intervention methods, the studies were categorized into videoconferencing telehealth, e-learning telehealth, mHealth, and asynchronous telehealth, with Zoom being the most frequently used platform (n = 16). Psychological health outcomes assessed in the included studies were grouped into three dimensions: negative psychological aspects, positive psychological aspects, and overall well-being, with stress being the most frequently assessed variable (n = 37). Significant improvements were reported in 75% of non-controlled studies and 62.1% of controlled studies, supporting the effectiveness of DHIs. All 12 studies assessing long-term effects of DHIs confirmed sustained psychological benefits.

Conclusion: This review demonstrates that DHIs are a promising approach for improving the psychological health of parents of children with ASD. While the mechanisms behind their effectiveness remain unclear, DHIs offer accessible, cost-effective, and impactful support. Further research is needed to focus on parents' psychological health and emotional regulation, explore advanced technologies, incorporate positive psychological strategies, and assess both short- and long-term outcomes in order to maximize the potential of DHIs in ASD-related care.