Psychological Distress and Perceived Burden Among Informal Caregivers of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Mongolia

Background: Informal caregiving for individuals with intellectual disabilities can involve sustained psychological and social demands. This study assessed caregiver burden and psychological distress among informal caregivers of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Mongolia and examined their associations with caregiver and care-recipient characteristics. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 642 informal caregivers recruited from primary health care centers and the National Center for Mental Health in Ulaanbaatar. Psychological distress was assessed with the 42-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42), and caregiver burden with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Results: The mean ZBI score was 39.03 ± 14.68, and 48.9% of caregivers had moderate-to-severe or severe burden. Severe or extremely severe symptoms were observed in 25.9% of participants for depression, 49.5% for anxiety, and 15.2% for stress. ZBI scores correlated positively with depression (r = 0.537), anxiety (r = 0.519), and stress (r = 0.584) (all p < 0.001). In multivariable models, higher ZBI scores remained associated with higher depression (β = 0.313), anxiety (β = 0.306), and stress scores (β = 0.355) (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Caregiver burden and psychological distress were common and closely associated in this sample. Routine assessment of caregiver mental health, together with caregiver-focused psychosocial and community support, should be considered in services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.