Discover mental health最新文献

{"title":"A correlation between perceived social support and professional quality of life: a cross-sectional study among government school teachers in the Nuwaragampalatha East educational division of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.","authors":"Shamal Niluminda, Sashini Nilushika, Hashini Nimalchandra, Chandima Nishakara, Sachini Nuwanthika, Malithi Pabasara, Devarajan Rathish","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00170-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00170-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Social support for school teachers could play an important role in their professional quality of life (ProQOL). We aim to describe a correlation between perceived social support (PSS) and ProQOL and its association with variables of interest among government school teachers in the Nuwaragampalatha East educational division of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. All consenting teachers of the top three government schools (with grade 1 to 13 classes) having the highest student-teacher ratio in the Nuwaragampalatha East educational division of Anuradhapura district were included. Adjusted odds ratios from logistic regression were reported for socio-demographic factors against PSS and ProQOL (p < 0.05). Spearman's Rho was used to find a correlation between PSS and ProQOL (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most of the teachers (n = 336) were females (82%), having higher education (63%), married (94%), and permanently residing in Anuradhapura (98%). Most had a high level of overall PSS (61%), a high level of compassion satisfaction (68%), a low level of burnout (56%), and a moderate level of secondary traumatic stress (60%). Monthly household income [aOR-1.65 (1.01-2.69)] and years served as a teacher [aOR-2.85 (1.05-7.74)] were significantly associated with overall PSS. The overall PSS had a positive significant correlation with compassion satisfaction (r =  + 0.31, p < 0.01) and a negative significant correlation with burnout (r = - 0.23, p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A significant correlation between PSS and the emotions of ProQOL was found among state school teachers. Hence, optimizing social support would help improve school teachers' ProQOL.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11929646/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143694566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of parental general anxiety disorder on parenting practices among Libyan parents: cross-sectional study.","authors":"Basma Diaeddin Abuhadra, Rima Abohadra, Nobutoshi Nawa, Takeo Fujiwara","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00156-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00156-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anxiety disorders is one of the most prevalent mental diseases globally, with cases rising by over 55% from 1990 to 2019. Recent research suggests anxiety can be contagious and may affect daily routines and parenting practices. In North African and Middle Eastern countries, where people face unique challenges such as natural disasters, war, and economic instability, the impact of anxiety on parenting is not well studied. This study aims to explore how general anxiety disorder (GAD) affects parenting styles and to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of GAD among Libyan parents, which are comparable to parents in the MENA region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Cross-sectional study was conducted in Libya, a MENA country, the sample included 233 parents aged 18-73 years who were assessed for anxiety and their parenting style by answering a self-administered online survey during the study period (1st May-18th October 2023), using (GAD-7) & (APQ) validated tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 233 responses were analyzed. It was identified that anxious parents, in contrast to non-anxious parents adopted more poor supervision [ <math><mi>β</mi></math> 0.62, 95% CI (0.06-1.19)], corporal punishment [ <math><mi>β</mi></math> 0.86, 95% CI (0.18-1.55)] and less parental involvement practices [ <math><mi>β</mi></math> -0.8, 95% CI (-1.43 to -0.17)] after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, employment, family income, experiencing miscarriage, the number and sex of their children, and having a child with special needs. Additionally, the prevalence of GAD among Libyan parents was (48.93%). Sex [AOR 3.84, 95% CI (1.57-9.39)], family income [AOR 2.05, 95% CI (1.09-3.84)], and the number of children [AOR 3.23, CI (1.09-9.57)] were all significant predictors for anxiety.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the significant impact of parental GAD on parenting, showing trends like increased corporal punishment, poor supervision, and reduced involvement. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support anxious parents. Addressing parental mental health can improve family dynamics and break negative intergenerational cycles. Stakeholders and policymakers should prioritize mental health resources to foster positive parenting and mitigate the long-term effects of anxiety on children's development.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11928710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674199","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mental health in resource-limited settings: amplifying youth voices and approaches.","authors":"Sweetbert Mugizi Anselimus","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00168-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00168-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the experiences and perceptions of young people who are actively involved in delivering mental health and related services to their peers in resource-limited settings. Employing a qualitative multiple case study approach, the researcher conducted interviews and focus group discussions with leaders of youth-led organizations and student-led associations. The data were subjected to thematic analysis to align with the study's objectives. The findings reveal that both student-led associations and youth-led organizations focused on adolescent mental health are present in resource-limited settings, and they play a crucial role in addressing mental health challenges. The youth participants identified school pressure, digital technology, and identity crises as major contributors to their mental health issues. Furthermore, the study highlighted that awareness programs and support services are the primary youth-led initiatives on mental health, and the participants recommended the integration of mental health topics into formal education curricula and the co-creation of mental health programs as effective approaches to tackle the prevalent mental health challenges. The study further emphasizes that investing in empowering youth-led initiatives, offers promising and effective solutions to address the mental health needs of young people in resource-limited environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11925812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paternal perinatal mental health support: fathers' perspectives on barriers, facilitators, and preferences.","authors":"Fern S Copland, Simon C Hunter","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00165-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00165-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The perinatal period is a time of increased vulnerability to psychological distress. Paternal mental wellbeing is linked to both maternal and child wellbeing. Paternal mental health problems are common in the perinatal period. Men, however, report a lack of therapeutic support. This study focused on the experiences of fathers with poor mental health during the perinatal period, who had a biological child under the age of two and a half, and explored their perceptions of barriers and facilitators to, and preferred sources of, mental health support. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight participants and an experiential thematic analysis conducted. Three main themes were identified; \"Fathers are not the priority (sub-themes of \"Deprioritised\", \"Masculinity\"), \"The perinatal period is unique\" (sub-themes of \"Needing to be prepared\", \"Stretched resources\", \"Disconnection from partner\") and \"Dad specific support\" (sub-themes of \"Someone to speak to\", \"Actively offered\"). These themes identified barriers of exclusion by, and lack of information from, services, prioritisation of the mother and baby, stigma, masculine norms, and emotional, financial, and time pressure. Facilitators identified included healthcare professionals focusing on the father's mental health and providing signposting, and fathers receiving support from their partner. Participants valued opportunities for greater social connection but their preferred mental health provision was one-to-one, personalised support that was actively offered and targeted specifically at fathers. This study highlights the universal need for greater awareness of paternal mental health in the perinatal services and the necessity for accessible, appropriate, and timely support.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11925843/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Resilience as a mediator between emotional intelligence (EI) and perceived stress among young adults in Malaysia.","authors":"Jia Wei Gey, Chia Keat Yap, Kenneth Leow, Yueh Yea Lo","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00166-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00166-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stress encompasses a complex interplay of physical, mental, and emotional responses triggered by demanding or challenging circumstances. Perceived stress refers to the subjective assessment of stress levels by an individual. As existing research indicates, this subjective experience of stress is intricately connected to emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience. Aligned with this knowledge, the present study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by exploring the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between EI and perceived stress levels. A cross-sectional online study was conducted involving 207 young adults from Malaysia (152 females and 55 males). Sex (gender) differences in perceived stress levels were evaluated using t-tests, revealing that females reported higher levels of perceived stress. Interestingly, EI did not exhibit an age-related increase. Results confirmed the predictive relationships among EI, resilience, and perceived stress. Mediational analyses uncovered a full mediation model, illustrating that resilience is pivotal in mediating the relationship between EI and perceived stress. The findings strongly indicate that individuals with elevated EI levels are more likely to possess higher resilience, resulting in lower perceived stress levels. These results underscore the importance of interventions targeting EI and resilience enhancement, as such interventions hold promise for positively impacting the mental well-being of young adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11923356/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143665482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adoption of tele health technology in mental and psychiatric services in Lebanon: a quantitative study.","authors":"Layal Mohtar, Nabil Badr, Michèle Kosremelli Asmar, Ibrahim Bou-Orm, Fadi T Maalouf, Pierre El Haddad","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00169-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00169-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rapid adoption of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased its capacity to revolutionize healthcare by augmenting accessibility, decreasing expenses, and improving patient outcomes. This study evaluated Lebanon's preparedness for the implementation of tele-mental health, concentrating on identifying critical factors affecting its adoption by mental health experts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A self-administered questionnaire was created and disseminated through email to mental health practitioners in Lebanon. The study employed the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2) and utilized the Partial Least Squares- Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to provide a quantitative analysis of the determinants influencing the adoption of tele-mental health in psychiatric services.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 138 respondents including psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health nurses, 20% indicated they had never utilized telehealth for mental health services, whereas 54% had employed telehealth prior to the COVID-19 shutdown and expressed a desire to persist with its use. Furthermore, 19% utilized telehealth throughout the lockdown and continued its application, while 8% ceased its usage after the lockdown. The research revealed five primary factors affecting tele-mental health adoption: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk, subjective norms, and job relevance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the significance of perceived usefulness, ease of use, perceived risk, subjective norm, and job relevance as essential factors influencing the uptake of tele-mental health services. Policymakers, healthcare administrators, and technology developers must concentrate on these criteria to optimize the introduction and sustainability of tele-mental health services in clinical practice, thereby ensuring enhanced mental health care delivery in Lebanon.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11925833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Navigating the intersection of mental health and kidney health: a systematic review of antidepressant safety in renal impairment.","authors":"Hooria Sarwar, Muhammad Zeshan, Najeeb Hussain, Esha Mogali, Rehan Durrani, Iana Malasevskaia","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00163-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00163-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that significantly impacts adults with impaired renal function, yet the safety and efficacy of antidepressants in this population remain inadequately explored. Understanding how renal impairment affects antidepressant pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes is essential for optimizing treatment strategies. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, conducting a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Medline. Studies were included if they evaluated the use of antidepressants in adults with renal impairment, assessing both safety and efficacy outcomes. The review identified 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 30 to 101,409 participants, yielding a total sample size of 192,684. The quality assessment of the included studies was conducted based on the type of study design, focusing on methodological rigor and relevance to the research question. While certain antidepressants demonstrate efficacy, their pharmacokinetic profiles necessitate careful monitoring and dose adjustments in patients with different levels of renal impairment. These insights underscore the need for individualized treatment approaches and highlight areas for future research to enhance care for this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11914710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143652354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing and testing preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of a mental health application in Ethiopia.","authors":"Endalamaw Salelew, Mengesha Srahbzu, Tsehay Diges, Habtamu Genet Yeniakal, Gebeyehu Begashaw, Tesfaye Tadele, Tewodiros Hailu, Wondimagegn Degef, Fikirnesh Bazezew, Demeke Demilew, Melsew Belachew","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00158-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00158-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mental health mobile applications are a cost-effective and scalable answer to the world's psychiatrist shortage and limited access to care in remote areas. However, there is currently no mobile application for providing mental health interventions in Ethiopia. Therefore, this project aimed to develop and test the preliminary effectiveness and acceptability of an Android-based mobile application for mental health information, psychological self-testing, and treatment recommendation during COVID-19 and beyond.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a preliminary assessment to review experiences and demands associated with the mental health mobile apps. Object-oriented modeling and the Agile Development software development methodology were employed. Android Studio's layout editor, resource management, palette, and theme editor were used. We utilized Java as the programming language for writing application code, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) to construct the overall structure of the app, and SQLite to save data locally on the user's device. To ensure quality, tests were performed on a regular basis throughout the development process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The project developed an Android-based mobile app for mental health information, psychological self-testing, and treatment recommendations for COVID-19. A preliminary assessment found no existing mobile apps for mental health care. Of participants, 94.6% believed mental health apps benefit the public, patients, and healthcare professionals. However, some individuals opposed the app due to concerns about self-treatment and medication misuse.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study indicates a high demand for a mental health mobile app, but few participants fear self-treatment or drug abuse. Apps that support native languages are recommended, and nonpharmacological treatments should be used in conjunction with clinician consultation.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11896947/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143607333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the effect of teaching coping skills and acupressure on premenstrual stress: a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Mojgan Mirghafourvand, Somayeh Abdolalipour, Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad, Behnaz Manouchehri","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00153-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00153-1","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to significant clinical physical and psychological manifestations during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, leading to significant distress and impaired functional capacity. Given the side effects caused by pharmacotherapy, it seems logical to use non-pharmacological methods that can reduce symptoms such as menstrual stress. Thus, this study has been conducted to compare the effect of teaching coping skills and acupressure on premenstrual stress in undergraduate students of the Medical School of Azad University of Sanandaj-Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Method: &lt;/strong&gt;This study is an experimental study that was designed in the form of three groups (two acupressure and coping strategy groups and one control group). The participants by moderate or severe degree based on the Symptoms Premenstrual Screening Tool entered the study. Students in the coping skills training group received intervention for 5 weeks and every week for 60 min. The second intervention group received acupressure intervention for 3 months and twice a day for 60 s each time, in a sitting position, with pressure on the 6th spleen point (SP6). Data collection tools included socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire, as well as premenstrual stress questionnaire and stress coping styles questionnaire, which were completed before and 3 months after the intervention. ANCOVA test was used for comparing the variables of premenstrual stress and coping strategy between the investigated groups, controlling the scores of premenstrual stress and coping strategy before the intervention, as well as controlling those socio-demographic variables that had a significant difference between the two groups.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Based on the ANCOVA test adjusted based on the age of first menstruation and pre-intervention premenstrual stress scores, the mean post-intervention premenstrual stress scores in the acupressure group [adjusted mean difference (AMD): - 20.6; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): - 23.1 to - 17.1; P &lt; 0.001] and coping strategy group [AMD: - 20.5; 95% CI - 23.4 to - 16.7; P &lt; 0.001] were significantly lower than that of the control group. Also, based on the post-hoc test, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of the mean post-intervention PMS scores between the two acupressure and the coping strategy groups [AMD: - 0.1; 95% CI - 3.5-2.9; P = 0.995]. Also, the mean post-intervention scores of task-oriented coping subscale [AMD: 30.8; 95% CI 25.6-36.1; P &lt; 0.001] as well as avoidance-oriented coping subscale [AMD: 18.2; 95% CI 14.6-21.8; P &lt; 0.001] were significantly higher than those of the control group, yet in terms of the emotion-oriented coping subscale [AMD: - 26.9; 95% CI - 31.1 to - 22.7; P &lt; 0.001], the scores were significantly lower than those of the control group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Considering the effect of learning coping strategies and app","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11893933/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143598430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caregiving for autistic children in Nigeria: experiences and challenges.","authors":"Albright Obinna Azubuike, Precious Chidozie Azubuike, Ayobami Oyekunle Afape, Michael Obule Enyam, Temidayo Akinreni, Uchenna Frank Imo, Miracle Nwadiche, Chimankpam Kingsley Ogbonna, Promise Nmesomachi Timothy, Eberechukwu Ruth Uchegbu, George Sefa Adai","doi":"10.1007/s44192-025-00159-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44192-025-00159-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Raising autistic children poses a daunting task for their caregivers. Providing care may take a toll on caregivers' physical, psychological, social, and financial wellbeing. This study explored the experience of the responsibility of care among caregivers of autistic children in Nigeria and informed targeted psychosocial support interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This phenomenology qualitative study was conducted among 103 caregivers in Cross River, Nigeria. The PREPARE tool was used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using the inductive and deductive approaches qualitatively, using NVivo software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Stigma and misunderstanding of autism, emotional impact and acceptance, transportation and accessibility, lack of support networks, and balancing responsibilities and care responsibilities with personal commitments were the major challenges reported by our participants. These factors contributed to emotional strain, underscoring the complexities associated with caregiving experiences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given the significant responsibilities of caregivers, targeted intervention must be taken to properly enlighten Nigerian societies on autistic people, and the need for acceptance. Key stakeholders must provide suitable healthcare facilities and resources for autistic people. Also, social support groups would help establish a sense of belonging and support.</p>","PeriodicalId":72827,"journal":{"name":"Discover mental health","volume":"5 1","pages":"32"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11893948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143598399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}