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Family quality of life in caregivers of individuals with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Singapore
Author
Wang, Tiffany Peiqi
Supervisor
Poon, Kenneth K.
Abstract
Raising an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) influences many domains of family life and has a significant impact on those around them. It is well-established that caregivers of individuals with ASD have a higher chance of exhibiting depression, increased parental stress and reduced social support networks compared to caregivers of typically developing individuals.
There has been a lack of research on family quality of life (FQOL) in caregivers of individuals with ASD in Singapore and results of previous studies on the factors that are associated with an enhanced FQOL are mixed and inconclusive. This research gap, as well as with rising ASD awareness and prevalence provides a strong rationale for devoting attention to the FQOL of ASD individuals.
This research explored the FQOL in 60 caregivers of individuals (aged 12-18 years) diagnosed with moderate to severe ASD living in Singapore.
Respondents completed the FQOLS-2006 and findings indicated that participants rated support from services lowest across most dimensions, while family relationships and health of the family were generally rated higher. Overall FQOL approximated average. Malay caregivers and families that did not have multiple members with physical or mental illness reported higher overall FQOL. Family members who reported to have a higher level of initiative, stability of support from services and community interaction, increased satisfaction of community interaction and support from related services, and higher level of attainment of community interaction and support from related services were also associated with higher FQOL.
There has been a lack of research on family quality of life (FQOL) in caregivers of individuals with ASD in Singapore and results of previous studies on the factors that are associated with an enhanced FQOL are mixed and inconclusive. This research gap, as well as with rising ASD awareness and prevalence provides a strong rationale for devoting attention to the FQOL of ASD individuals.
This research explored the FQOL in 60 caregivers of individuals (aged 12-18 years) diagnosed with moderate to severe ASD living in Singapore.
Respondents completed the FQOLS-2006 and findings indicated that participants rated support from services lowest across most dimensions, while family relationships and health of the family were generally rated higher. Overall FQOL approximated average. Malay caregivers and families that did not have multiple members with physical or mental illness reported higher overall FQOL. Family members who reported to have a higher level of initiative, stability of support from services and community interaction, increased satisfaction of community interaction and support from related services, and higher level of attainment of community interaction and support from related services were also associated with higher FQOL.
Date Issued
2017
Call Number
RC553.A88 Wan
Date Submitted
2017