Examining the Role of Self-Care and Coping Strategies in Mitigating Compassion Fatigue among Caregivers of Children with Autism: Case of Differently Talented Society of Kenya

Abstract

Compassion fatigue poses a significant challenge for caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly among parents associated with the Differently Talented Society of Kenya (DTSK). This study aimed to investigate the multifaceted nature of compassion fatigue and develop evidence-based coping strategies and self-care techniques to support caregivers. Employing a mixed-methods approach comprising of qualitative and quantitative research. The target population comprised DTSK members, specifically parents and caregivers of children with ASD, who are between the ages of 2 and 11years, and are residing in Nairobi County. The study considered a sample size of 115 respondents Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires and focused group discussions, with analysis conducted using SPSS version 27.0 and NVIVO Version 12. The findings highlighted the substantial psychological impact and compassion fatigue experienced by caregivers. 94% of respondents experienced moderate compassion fatigue, while 3.6% had low levels. Compassion fatigue showed a significant negative correlation with the caregiver-child relationship. Age positively correlated with caregiver-child relationship, caregiving duration, and weekly caregiving hours. 90.5% of respondents reported moderate use of coping strategies, while 9.5% reported high use. Caregivers with moderate self-care engaged in more adaptive coping behaviors than those with low selfcare. Caregivers with moderate self-care were more likely to experience moderate compassion fatigue. Chi-square tests suggest self-care levels may influence the likelihood of experiencing moderate compassion fatigue. This study contributes to the existing knowledge base by providing insights into the challenges faced by caregivers of children with ASD and offering evidence-based recommendations for self-care and coping strategies to alleviate compassion fatigue within the DTSK community.