Quality of Life for Parents with Children who have Autism in Erbil Iraq

Background and objectives: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological and developmental disability that typically appears during a child’s first three years of life. It is characterized by qualitative deficits in reciprocal social interaction, communication skills, and restricted patterns of behavior. The present study assessed quality of life of parents with children who have autism and its association with some related variables. Methods: A descriptive correlation study was conducted in Hawler Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Iraq from February 2012 to February 2013. A non- probability purposive sample of 115 parents was selected according to the study criteria. Data were collected by direct interview. Quality of life was measured by a standardized questionnaire of the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: For fathers of children with autism there was a significant association between age and physical domains, level of education and environmental domain and also general health, occupational status and environmental domain. Highly significant associations were observed between fathers’ socio-economic status and all other domains and items except social relationship domain. Conversely, mothers of children with autism demonstrated a highly significant difference between occupational status and environmental domain, a highly significant relationship between socio-economic status and environmental domains and overall quality of life. Conclusion: Findings from the present study suggest that the quality of life is adversely impacted for parents of children with autism. Health care professionals should integrate quality of life into general care plans and enhance provision of holistic care, e.g. physical, psychological, social relationship and environmental aspects for parents of children with the condition.