P-255 - Health related quality of life among mothers of egyptian children with autistic spectrum disorders

Abstract

Background Little is known about the Quality of Life (QoL) in mothers of Arab children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): The aim of the present study was to assess QOL among mothers with children affected with ASD: Methods Socio-demographic variables and ASD history were assessed using personal interview with a structured questionnaire. HRQoL domains were assessed using SF-36 questionnaire, while maternal mental health was assessed using Mini-International Neuropsychaitric interview (MINI-Arabic Version). Results Mothers of children with ASD group showed significant deterioration along the physical and social domains of HRQoL compared to mothers of apparently healthy children. Deterioration in HRQoL showed a positive correlation with the level of severity of the children's symptoms and to coexisting behavioral problems and lower socio-demographic profile. Conclusion Results of this study provide preliminary evidence that mothers of children in need of social support and clinical interventions which are family centered, rather than child focused.