Marital Dissolution and Associated Factors Among Primary Caregivers of Children With Neurodevelopment Disorders at Different Mental Health Service Centers In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; A Cross-Sectional Quantitative Study.
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Date
2026
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Addis Ababa Uinverstiy
Abstract
Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) place significant emotional, social, and economic burdens on caregivers, which may affect marital stability. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of marital dissolution among caregivers of children with NDDs and identify associated socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 caregivers using structured questionnaires. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, child-related clinical variables, and psychosocial factors (including spousal support, social support, stigma, and depression) were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with marital dissolution. Results: The majority of participants were female (68.8%), married (86.5%), and aged 18–39 years (53.4%). The overall prevalence of marital dissolution was 9.3%. Many caregivers reported high spousal support (43.3%%) despite poor social support (75.8%). Depression was common, with 32.6% reporting minimal and 11.0% moderate depression. Higher income was significantly associated with lower odds of marital dissolution, with caregivers earning more than 20,000 birr being 94% less likely to experience dissolution (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.007–0.55). Conversely, comorbid seizure disorders were associated with increased odds of marital dissolution (AOR = 5.41; 95% CI: 1.23–23.70). Other factors, including child diagnosis, disease severity, depression, stigma, and social support, were not significantly associated. Conclusion: Marital dissolution among caregivers of children with NDDs was relatively low and primarily influenced by socioeconomic factors, particularly income. Higher income appears to be a strong protective factor against marital dissolution, highlighting the importance of financial stability in maintaining marital relationships. Despite high levels of caregiving burden and poor social support, strong spousal support may play a protective role in maintaining marital stability. Interventions focusing on economic empowerment and strengthening intra-family support systems are recommended.
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Keywords
Neurodevelopmental disorders, Marital, dissolution, Caregivers, Ethiopia, Autism spectrum disorder.