Hasan, Haliza and Anuar, Ain Nadhrah and Yahya, Syahira and Heni Dwi Windarwati, Heni Dwi Windarwati and Evi Harwiati Ningrum, Evi Harwiati Ningrum (2025) Level of depression, anxiety, stress, and coping strategies of Malay caregivers caring for children with special needs. International Journal Care Scholars, 8 (3). pp. 36-47. ISSN 2600-898X
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Abstract
Background: Caring for children with special needs can be one of a caregiver's most rewarding yet challenging experiences. It is crucial to assess the level of depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers and their coping mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the level of depression, anxiety, stress, and coping strategies of Malay caregivers of children with special needs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 Malay primary caregivers recruited purposively from Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) centres in Kuantan. A self-completion questionnaire: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and Coping Strategies were employed. Descriptive, chi-square, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0. Results: The findings indicated that most participants were caregivers aged between 31 and 40 years old (44.3%), had a monthly income of less than RM 3000 (53.3%), and had completed a tertiary level of education (51.0%). More than half of the caregivers had normal levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Notably, a proportion experienced abnormal levels of depression (28.1%), anxiety (34.8%), and stress (18.1%), which may require support. Most caregivers employed a high level of coping strategies (65.4%), including positive reappraisal and escape strategies, such as praying (86.0%) and avoiding problems (40.2%). In terms of high coping levels, education proved to be a significant factor. However, results show no statistically significant association between depression level (p=0.813), anxiety (p=0.251), and stress level (p=0.077) with coping mechanisms among Malay caregivers. Conclusion: The findings indicate that while many caregivers maintain stable mental health and effective coping, certain vulnerable subgroups may still require additional support. Additionally, the educational level may impact caregivers' ability to cope with their mental well-being when caring for children with special needs.
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Depression; Anxiety; Stress; Coping strategies; Caregiver; Special needs children |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ2035 Life skills. Coping skills. Everyday living skills H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RT Nursing |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing |
| Depositing User: | DR HALIZA HASAN |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Dec 2025 13:41 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Dec 2025 13:41 |
| Queue Number: | 2025-12-Q711 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/125492 |
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