Prevalência de suporte familiar e níveis de ansiedade, depressão e estresse em pais ou responsáveis de indivíduos com transtorno do espectro autista

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in behavior and communication from the early stages of life, with varying levels of impairment. Early parent-child interactions are essential for child development and have an influence, even in cases of ASD. The discovery of an ASD diagnosis profoundly affects family life, which can lead to emotional health issues for parents and alter family dynamics. The increase in the prevalence of ASD in recent years highlights its importance as a public health issue, generating emotional, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts. To better understand the needs and challenges of parents of individuals with ASD, research on psychological distress and the damage caused to family dynamics is necessary. From this perspective, this study aims to assess the prevalence of family support and levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in parents or guardians of individuals with ASD. The research was correlational, descriptive, and crosssectional in design. The sample consisted of 221 parents or guardians of children and adolescents of both genders diagnosed with ASD, assisted by Primary Care, the Associação Norte Mineira de Apoio ao Autista (ANDA), and the Comviver clinic, located in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection will use a socioeconomic questionnaire and two instruments in scale format: the Family Support Inventory (IPSF) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) (Appendix B). After data collection, they will be tabulated in the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0, for appropriate analyses and statistical tests, adopting a significance level of 5%. The statistical treatments were approved by the Ethics and Research Committee. The sample was predominantly composed of women (94.6%), mainly mothers (94.6%) and married (63.3%). Among the 162 participants who reported profession/work, 51.5% were unemployed or homemakers. The majority (81.4%) had a monthly income of less than two minimum wages. Of the 192 individuals with valid responses on support, 50.5% showed light support, 37.0% moderate support, and 12.5% severe support. The main needs of families included psychological treatment (54.4%), medical treatment (43.9%), and housing (23.3%). Few mentioned leisure as a priority (6.7%), and 27.5% had not sought leisure activities recently, with television being the most common form of leisure (40.7%). Among the difficulties in diagnosing ASD, 55.6% mentioned difficulties in accessing medical treatment, and 40.6% difficulties in dealing with the child/adolescent. Of the 221 participants, 83.3% responded to the DASS-21 and 47.1% to the IPSF. The average scores on the DASS-21 were 28, and on the IPSF, 58. The median anxiety score was 12, and the mean depression and stress scores were 17.46 and 51.57, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between the IPSF and the DASS-21, with depression being the symptom most negatively correlated with family support. Severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with the need for psychological treatment and a lack of leisure activities. Additionally, non-Caucasian skin color and income below two minimum wages were associated with the severity of anxiety, and stress was more severe in caregivers of boys. The final model indicated that female gender predicted more severe levels of anxiety and stress. The absence of leisure and difficulties in the diagnosis process (especially distress/fear) predicted elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Anxiety, depression, and stress are signs of psychological distress that affect the mental health of parents and caregivers of children with ASD. The diagnosis can impact family dynamics, and it is necessary to consider strategies and public policies that provide greater access to leisure, healthcare, and better quality of life for these parents.