Quality of life of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience significant emotional, physical, financial, and social challenges that influence their quality of life (QoL). In Saudi Arabia, the impact of caregiving within culturally distinct family structures remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE: To assess the caregivers QoL with ASD in Saudi Arabia and to analyze how demographic factors affect the QoL across the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2025 among 302 caregivers recruited from autism centers and online groups. The validated WHOQOL-BREF was used to assess physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, multiple regression analyses, and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Caregivers scored lowest in physical health (M = 2.67, 41.8/100), while social relationships scored highest (M = 2.94, 48.5/100). Female caregivers had significantly lower physical QoL than male (p = 0.011; d = 0.36, 95 % CI: 0.12-0.60). Moderate positive correlations were found between physical and psychological health (r = 0.31, p < 0.001). The socioeconomic status and employment positively predicted QoL across domains. CONCLUSION: Caregivers, particularly women, experience poorer physical and psychological well-being. Findings underscore the need for gender-responsive, family-centered nursing interventions that integrate psychological support and community resources. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Pediatric nurses should incorporate caregiver burden screening, psychoeducation, and referral pathways into ASD care plans to enhance overall family health.