Psychological mindedness as a mediator in the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

PURPOSE: Psychological mindedness (PM) can partly explain depressive symptoms in caregivers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This cross-sectional study examines PM in mediating the relationship between dysfunctional coping styles and depressive symptoms. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-five adult ASD caregivers completed the Malay version of Brief COPE, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Balanced Index of PM. FINDINGS: Direct paths between dysfunctional coping style and depressive symptoms, between insight and depressive symptoms, and between dysfunctional coping style and all PM variables (insight and interest) were obtained. Multiple regression analyses revealed that insight, but not interest, significantly mediates the relationship between dysfunctional coping and depressive symptoms. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: PM can be enhanced via psychological interventions.

Prevalence and impact of physical disability on Malaysian school-aged children: a population-based survey.

PURPOSE: To determine the magnitude and impact of physical disability on Malaysian school-aged children between 7 and less than 18 years old. METHOD: Cross-sectional population-based household interview with two-stage stratified sampling design. SETTING: The Malaysian Third National Health of Morbidity Survey, 2006. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of physical disability was 2.8 per 1000 population among children aged between 7 and less than 18 years old. The commonest cause was congenital, in 61.5% of the affected children. Slightly more than a third of these children with physical disability were partially or totally dependent on their caregivers in the various areas of self care (37.4%) and mobility (34.9%). We also found that the more severe the physical disability, the more adverse impact it had on the functional independence and community participation of these children. Among these children, almost 40% of them had no verbal communication, 31.5% had not attended formal education and 21% were housebound. CONCLUSION: This population-based survey on physical disability among school-aged children highlighted the key areas where physical disability can greatly impact on the child's function. It has identified the areas of needs that require multisectoral involvement and commitment from the government, non-government and private agencies.