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August 23, 2026PLOS Global Public HealthOpen Access

Quality of life, stress and its coping strategies among the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Kathmandu Valley: A mixed method study

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Authors

SBSajani BasanAAAmit ArjyalSBShital Bhandary

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Overview

Cross-sectional mixed-methods study reveals high caregiver stress and reduced quality of life among parents of autistic children, highlighting the need for social support and anti-stigma efforts.

Key Points

  • To evaluate the levels of stress, coping mechanisms, and overall quality of life among parents raising children with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Conducted a cross-sectional mixed-methods study using purposive sampling of 140 parents across autism care centers in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
  • Collected quantitative data using the Autism Parenting Stress Index, Brief-COPE, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Family Quality of Life Scale.
  • Analyzed quantitative survey data using STATA/EZR and conducted thematic qualitative analysis on semi-structured interviews in R.
  • Primary parental stressors included concerns regarding their child's future independence (76.43%), societal acceptance (72.14%), communication difficulties (66.43%), and social development (51.44%).
  • Significantly lower family quality of life was associated with parental unemployment compared to homemakers (p = 0.003), as well as increased use of emotion-focused coping (p = 0.017) and problem-focused coping (p < 0.001).
  • Qualitative findings demonstrated pervasive challenges including societal stigma, financial strain, and relationship disruption, which were partially buffered by perceived family support networks.

Cite This Study

Basan et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8aae337677a34114447117https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0006997
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Also Consider

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  1. 1A Prospective Study of the Family Quality of Life, Illness Perceptions, and Coping in Mothers of Children Newly Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Communication Difficulties2024 · 4 citations
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  4. 4Stress, anxiety and depression in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in Kazakhstan: prevalence and associated factors2022 · 60 citations
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