Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the mental health of caregivers of special children in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. The sample of 100 caregivers (50 special and 50 normal) was recruited. Mental Health Inventory was used to assess parents' mental health, and demographic information was collected using demographic sheet. The results of the study showed that caregivers of special children reported a lower level of mental health (t = 2.25, p = .02), psychological well-being (t = 2.89, p = .00), general positive affect (t = 2.52, p = .01), emotional ties (t = 2.54, p = .01), and life satisfaction (t = 2.54, p = .01) and higher level of depression (t = 1.96, p = .05) and loss of emotional/behavioral control (t = 2.28, p = .02) as compared with caregivers of normal children. However, insignificant differences were found in psychological distress (t = 1.64, p = .10) and anxiety (t = .59, p = .55) between both groups. Caregivers' gender was found as a significant risk factor for their mental health. Likewise, in other areas, caregivers of special children in GB were also vulnerable to mental health problems, particularly females, so that it is essential to address their mental health problems. The results of the study revealed significant and valuable recommendations for mental health professionals.