Depression and anxiety among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders in a government tertiary hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Objectives@#To determine the burden of COVID-19 related mental health problems such as anxiety and/or depression among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders in a government tertiary hospital.@*Materials and Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Out-patient Department of PCMC. Caregiver data sheet and HADS-P forms were given to eligible caregivers.@*Results@#A total of 102 caregivers were included. The prevalence of significant risk for anxiety disorder among caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders is 34.31% (n=35), 1.96% (n=2) for depression and 3.92% (n=4) for both anxiety and depression. Using logistic regression, marital status of common law partner and female sex have significant association with depression and anxiety; the number of household members has a direct association to significant risk for both anxiety and depression.@*Conclusion@#Female sex and common law partnership as marital status are associated with 2-3 times of having significant risk for anxiety or depression. The number of household members is correlated with an increased significant risk of having both anxiety and depression. Screening caregivers using appropriate tests would identify caregivers at significant risk for anxiety and depression and further create intervention programs.