Factors affecting fatigue among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

OBJECTIVES The study of levels of fatigue in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their relationship with spirituality and social support. METHOD A study was conducted with 123 parents of children with ASD. Three questionnaires were administered: the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), for the assessment of perceived fatigue, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), for the assessment of perceived social support, and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), for the assessment of spirituality. The MSPSS assesses three dimensions of social support: family, friends, and important others, while the FACIT-Sp-12 investigates three dimensions of spirituality: harmony and serenity, meaning in life, and faith. RESULTS The mean age of the participating parents was 47.3 +/- 6.3 years. Most participants were women (81.3%), married (77.9%), with two children (58.5%). The mean score on the fatigue scale was 28.4 +/- 7.5, on a range of 10-50. A statistically significant negative correlation was demonstrated between social support from family and friends and mental fatigue. In addition, statistically significant negative correlation was recorded between the dimensions of spirituality harmony and serenity and the level of physical fatigue. Statistically significant difference was demonstrated in the level of physical and mental fatigue between women and men, and there was statistically significant positive correlation between educational level and mental fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with ASD experience moderate levels of fatigue. Higher overall social support and higher levels of spirituality are associated with a lower overall level of fatigue, and a significant effect is observed of gender and educational level on perceived fatigue.