Psychiatric morbidity among primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders at a teaching hospital in Kenya

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric morbidities are often underdiagnosed among the primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders who attend child clinics; however, they are frequent and are associated with adverse outcomes. An integrated management program, which is an evidence-based approach to psychiatric morbidity management, remains an exception in most hospital settings. This study investigated the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity and its associated factors among primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 357 respondents in child clinics at a teaching hospital between January 2023 and December 2023.

Results: Most respondents (225, 63%) had at least one psychiatric morbidity, and the majority had major depressive episodes (147, 41.2%). Lack of family support was associated with at least one psychiatric morbidity (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: Primary caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders attending outpatient child clinics experience psychiatric issues, especially major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders. Primary caregivers without an alternative caregiver or family support are more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders.