Psychosocial Factors Influencing Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Case of Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos County, Kenya
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Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences
Abstract
The caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) face challenges that affect their adaptation and quality of life. This study sought to analyze the psychosocial factors that influence the caregivers of children with NDDs who attended child psychiatric clinic at Machakos Level 5 hospital. The objectives were to: analyze the levels of depression in caregivers; examine the level of anxiety in caregivers; establish the level of social support for caregivers; and assess the accessibility of social services by caregivers. Concurrent convergence mixed method was employed and purposive sampling to get a sample of 86 caregivers. Data was collected using Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, a Multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and in-depth interviews. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics using SPSS software and content analysis. Depression was high in caregivers who were; single and separated, female, having a low level of education, and taking care of female children. High level of depression was strongly correlated with high anxiety at r=.92, p<.001 while high social support was correlated with low anxiety at r=-.87, p<.001 The caregivers had challenges in accessing education and medical care services for their children. The study recommended enhanced psychosocial support, education and awareness of NDDs for caregivers to address depression and anxiety; awareness campaigns and educational initiatives in the community to enhance social support; provision of accessible educational opportunities for children who need specialized interventions; and subsidized drugs and mobile clinics to improve the accessibility of health care for children with NDDs.
Description
MASTER OF ARTS
in Child Development
Keywords
Caregivers, Psychosocial Factors, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos County
Citation
Kasyula, D. N., (2023). Psychosocial Factors Influencing Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Case of Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos County, Kenya: Daystar University, School of Applied Human Sciences