Perceived burden and coping strategies among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder attending in tertiary hospital, Kathmandu

The parents of children with autism spectrum disorder face a mountain of practical problems. Helpful coping resources enable to restore equilibrium, otherwise, parents can perceive burden. The aim of the study was to find out the perceived burden and coping strategies among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Kanti Children's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal among 78 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder selected by purposive sampling and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Zarit Burden Interview-22 tool was used to assess perceived burden and BRIEF COPE inventory tool was used to assess coping strategies among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Frequency, mean, range and standard deviation were used to represent socio-demographic variables, clinical variables, perceived burden level and coping strategies. Chi-square test was used to find out association between socio-demographic variables and perceived burden level. Spearman rank correlation was used to find out relationship between perceived burden and coping. Mild burden was perceived by 42.3%, moderate perceived by 39.7%, severe perceived by 10.3% and no burden were perceived by 7.7%. The mean score (26.85) was higher at emotional focused coping strategies. No association was found between demographic factors and level of burden. Emotional focused coping (r = 0.288, p = 0.01) was positively correlated with overall burden.Majority of parents had mild burden while more than one third had moderate burden. The most popular coping mechanism, emotional focused, had a positive correlation with overall burden.