Community Support Service: The Perspective of Family Caregivers of Children with Autism in Mansoura City

Abd Alla, Heba Gad Alla Ali; Abd Elhi, Eman Sameh; Abdallah, Asmaa Ahmed; Elshafie, Wafaa Hamed Kamal; Hamed, Samia Gamal Awad; Emara, Ahmed Rezk Abdelghafar

doi:10.21608/ejnsr.2025.421693.1464

Community Support Service: The Perspective of Family Caregivers of Children with Autism in Mansoura City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

² Psychiatric Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing- Mansoura University, Egypt

³ Psychiatric and mental health nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

⁴ Community Health Nursing,College of Nursing, Misr University for Science and Technology,Giza, Egypt

10.21608/ejnsr.2025.421693.1464

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects a significant
number of children globally, presenting unique challenges for families and caregivers. In Egypt, the need for
robust community support services is vital for enhancing the quality of life for children with ASD and their
families. Aim: This study aimed to assess the perspectives of family caregivers with autism regarding
community support services. Methods: This study involved 200 family caregivers of autistic children in
Mansoura City. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers and their children,
Short Form 36-Health Survey, Parenting Stress Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support,
and the Perceived Community Support Questionnaire. Results: Most caregivers (80%) were aware of
community support services but faced barriers, including limited rural availability (74.5%) and accessibility
challenges (58.5%), with peer parents as primary information sources. Caregivers reported moderate
satisfaction, coping competence, and social support levels, with strong correlations between these factors (p ≤
0.001). Coping competence and social support predicted caregiver satisfaction, explaining 68% of variance
(F=204.3, p<0.001), while educational level significantly influenced both coping competence (p<0.001) and
social support (p=0.005). Conclusion & Recommendations: Coping competence and social support
significantly predict caregiver satisfaction with autism services. However, rural accessibility barriers and
educational disparities limit service effectiveness. Recommendations include expanding rural service
delivery, enhancing accessibility, providing targeted support based on educational needs, and strengthening
peer support networks.

Keywords