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Alabdulaziz HM, Alghamdi SA, Aladwani AM, Alharthi RA, Almadani LK, Niyazi KA, Alharbi YM. Assessment of Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Undergraduate Nursing Students. Cureus 2024; 16:e55829. [PMID: 38590485 PMCID: PMC10999896 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence and prevalence rate of autism globally. This increase could be correlated to the increase in the awareness level and understanding of the disorder among healthcare providers and autistic children's families. Aim This study aimed to assess undergraduate nursing students' knowledge about and attitudes toward children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used. A convenience sample of 235 undergraduate nursing students from all levels was obtained. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive analysis (including mean, median, and standard deviation) was conducted. Inferential analysis was conducted to identify the relation between participants' demographic data and the subscales. Results The majority of the studied sample was aged 20 years or over (n=194, 82.55%) and was from the second year of undergraduate nursing school (n=120, 51.1%). The total mean score of the overall knowledge levels among nursing students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) was mild (M=0.91, SD=±1.04), whereas the overall mean percentage score of undergraduate nursing students' attitudes toward care, education, and advocacy for autistic children was 74.38%, indicating a positive high level of attitude. Conclusions This study highlighted the level of nursing students' knowledge about childhood autism. Additionally, it disclosed their attitudes toward autistic children. The study filled a gap in the literature by revealing the perspectives of nursing students toward ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawa M Alabdulaziz
- Maternity and Children Department/Pediatric Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Salmah A Alghamdi
- Maternity and Child Health Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Asala M Aladwani
- Radiology Department, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Rawan A Alharthi
- Emergency Department, King Abdullah Medical Complex Jeddah, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Layla K Almadani
- Pediatric Ward, King Abdullah Medical Complex Jeddah, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Khadijah A Niyazi
- Pediatric Emergency Department, Maternity and Children Specialist Hospital, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Yara M Alharbi
- Adult Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Jeddah, SAU
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Abdelrahman MA, Alhebsi MA, Almulla SI, Rahimi EA, Badouh H, Almehairbi A, Ghasem F, Rawashdeh M. Exploration of radiographers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in delivering healthcare to children with autism spectrum disorder. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:116-122. [PMID: 37922845 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses unique challenges in healthcare settings, including radiographic examinations. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of radiographers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) towards ASD children, a population with increased healthcare needs. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted online, targeting radiographers across the UAE. The instrument utilized was a comprehensive and validated self-administered questionnaire developed based on relevant literature. The questionnaire incorporated sections to gauge radiographers' knowledge about ASD, their attitudes towards working with ASD children, and their adherence to recommended practices during radiographic examinations. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to describe KAP and identify any influencing factors. RESULTS Radiographers demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge regarding ASD. Despite the knowledge, misconceptions about ASD nature were common. The radiographers generally acknowledged the need for special care for ASD children during radiographic procedures. High confidence in working with ASD children was noted, particularly among older participants, despite a clear interest in further training. Good adherence to recommended practices was observed, with physical restraints not being a common practice. However, areas for improvement were identified, such as the use of visual aids. CONCLUSION Despite a moderate level of knowledge and good practices, there is a need to improve UAE radiographers' understanding and handling of ASD children. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This study highlights the need for enhancing ASD-specific knowledge and training and integrating supportive tools in radiographic procedures. This comprehensive approach could significantly improve the radiographic service quality for ASD children in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Abdelrahman
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - M A Alhebsi
- Department of Radiology, Latifa Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - S I Almulla
- Albadaa Primary Healthcare Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - E A Rahimi
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - H Badouh
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - A Almehairbi
- Department of Radiology, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - F Ghasem
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - M Rawashdeh
- Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Allied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Yılmaz Z, Al-Taie A. A cross-sectional study of community pharmacists' self-reported disease knowledge and competence in the treatment of childhood autism spectrum disorder. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1088-1097. [PMID: 36547799 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01530-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioural challenges. Given the rising prevalence of autism and multiple medication use, healthcare professionals, including community pharmacists, are required to have sufficient ASD knowledge to affect positively the disease prognosis and related comorbidities. AIM To assess community pharmacists' knowledge of disease and pharmacotherapy of ASD, along with the provision of patient education and counselling provided by, community pharmacists in Turkey. METHOD This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted among community pharmacists in Turkey using a structured, validated questionnaire to assess ASD knowledge, awareness, and the provision of patient education and counselling by community pharmacists. RESULTS 486 community pharmacists were included, with a mean age of 39.69 ± 13.10 years, and most (n = 151, 31.1%) in the age range between 20 and 29 years. 96.3% of community pharmacists never had training about ASD. 32.9% of the participants were aware of the medicines for ASD treatment, and 25.7% were aware of the drugs' side effects. The mean overall knowledge about childhood autism among health workers questionnaire (KCAHW) score was 11.83 ± 3.91, and there was a statistically significant KCAHW score difference between other pharmacists and those with ASD training (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION There is a lack of disease and pharmacotherapy knowledge about childhood ASD among Turkish community pharmacists, particularly about communication impairment, type, onset, and comorbidities, as well as poor knowledge about drug pharmacotherapy and patient counselling services. This potentially creates a barrier to the adequate provision of healthcare to autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekiye Yılmaz
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar, Kayışdağı Cad. No: 32, Ataşehir, 34758, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Anmar Al-Taie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Rafiei M, Nakhostin-Ansari A, Meshkat S, Khosravi A, Memari AH. Public awareness and stigma of autism spectrum disorder in Iran; An online survey. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 134:104441. [PMID: 36731249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no systematic examination of the Iranian general population's knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). AIM In this study, we aimed to assess stigma and knowledge about ASD among Iranian people and determine the sociodemographic factors associated with them. METHODS AND PROCEDURES This study was conducted as a cross-sectional online survey from April to May 2020, using a convenience sampling method. We designed an online questionnaire using Google forms. We sent a message explaining the study goals and the link to the online questionnaire to groups on popular social platforms in Iran. We used Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) to assess ASD knowledge and stigma. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS In total, 600 individuals participated in the study, of whom 301 (50.2 %) were women and 299 (49.8 %) were men. Out of 600 participants, 216 (36 %) had adequate knowledge of the diagnosis/symptoms subscale, 206 (34.3 %) for the etiology subscale, 200 (33.3 %) for the treatment subscale, and 260 (43.4 %) had no stigma toward ASD. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The level of knowledge about ASD is insufficient among Iranian people of this study. People with lower knowledge of ASD, including older adults and individuals with lower educational levels, may benefit the most from ASD awareness interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Rafiei
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Amin Nakhostin-Ansari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Shakila Meshkat
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Afifeh Khosravi
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Memari
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Kaman N, Ishak A, Muhammad J. Knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors of caregivers towards children with autism spectrum disorder in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14919. [PMID: 36874971 PMCID: PMC9983430 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Caregivers are directly involved in managing the daily basic needs of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The knowledge and attitudes of these caregivers are important to achieving success in their roles. Thus, this study aimed to determine what constitutes good knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors among caregivers toward children with ASD. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 128 caregivers of children with ASD in Kota Bharu, Kelantan from May to August 2020, using convenience sampling. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the knowledge and attitudes toward children with ASD. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics and simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were then performed. Results The response rate was 100%. The proportion of good knowledge and attitudes toward children with ASD among caregivers was 85.1% and 88.3%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with good knowledge were being female (OR (95% CI) 2.79 [0.99-7.90]) and ASD children being non-first-born children (OR (95% CI) 0.41 [0.15-1.12]). Factors significantly associated with good attitudes were age of 30 years and older (OR (95% CI) 0.13 [0.03-0.62]) and caregiver having other children with other types of learning difficulties (OR (95% CI) 0.15 [0.04, 0.52]). Conclusions The proportion of caregivers with good knowledge of ASD and good attitudes toward children with ASD was high. The caregiver's age and sex, the position of the ASD child among the siblings, and the presence of other types of learning disorders in the family need to be considered when managing children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurkhaniza Kaman
- Family Medicine Department, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Azlina Ishak
- Family Medicine Department, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Juliawati Muhammad
- Family Medicine Department, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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GÖLBAŞI H, DEMİREL Y, NEMMEZİ KARACA S, UZUN CİCEK A, SARI SA. Sivas İl Merkezi’nde otizm spektrum bozukluğunun (OSB) yaygınlığı ve aile sağlığı merkezleri sağlık çalışanlarının OSB farkındalıkları. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.904937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Shawahna R, Jaber M, Yahya N, Jawadeh F, Rawajbeh S. Are medical students in Palestine adequately trained to care for individuals with autism spectrum disorders? A multicenter cross-sectional study of their familiarity, knowledge, confidence, and willingness to learn. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:424. [PMID: 34376162 PMCID: PMC8356397 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical students are the future workforce of physicians in primary, secondary, tertiary, and highly specialized care centers. The present study was undertaken to assess familiarity, knowledge, confidence, of medical students with regard to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). METHODS This multicenter study was conducted in a cross-sectional design among medical students in the 3 main universities in Palestine. In addition to the sociodemographic and academic details, the questionnaire measured familiarity (8-items), knowledge (12-items), confidence and willingness to learn (5-items) with regard to ASDs. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by309 medical students (response rate = 77.3 %). The median familiarity, knowledge, and confidence scores were 50 % (42.5 %, 57.5 %), 50 % (41.7 %, 66.7 %), and 60.0 % (54.0 %, 68.0 %), respectively. There was a positive moderate correlation between familiarity and knowledge scores (Spearman's rho = 0.29, p-value < 0.001) and familiarity and confidence scores (Spearman's rho = 0.34, p-value < 0.001). Medical students who have received a course on autism were 3.08-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.78-5.31) more likely to score ≥ 50 % on the familiarity items compared to those who did not receive a course. The medical students who were in their clinical academic stage, who received a course on ASDs, and those who interacted with individuals with ASDs were 2.36-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.34-4.18), 2.66-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.52-4.65), and 2.59-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.44-4.63) more likely to score ≥ 50 % on the knowledge items. Medical students who reported high satisfaction with their social life were 2.84-fold (95 % C.I. of 1.15-7.00) more likely to score ≥ 50 % on the confidence items. CONCLUSIONS The present study identified considerable awareness and knowledge gaps among medical students with regard to ASDs. Medical students in this study reported low confidence in their ability to provide healthcare services to individuals with ASDs. Appropriately designed educational interventions might improve familiarity, knowledge, and confidence of medical students. More studies are still needed to investigate if such interventions can improve healthcare services for individuals with ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Shawahna
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, New Campus, Building: 19, Office: 1340, Nablus, Palestine.
- An-Najah BioSciences Unit, Centre for Poisons Control, Chemical and Biological Analyses, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Mohammad Jaber
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
- An-Najah National University Hospital, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nourhan Yahya
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Firdaous Jawadeh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Shahd Rawajbeh
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Ma Y, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Ping Y, Wang Y, Hu X, Zhang C, Wang T, Zhou H. Urgency in Improving Child Health Care Workers' Awareness and Knowledge of ASD: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study in Southwest China. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:703609. [PMID: 34589005 PMCID: PMC8473631 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.703609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the levels of awareness and knowledge of ASD among child health care workers in China, we conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study to assess the participants' awareness and knowledge of ASD. Methods: A total of 159 child health care workers from Southwest China participated in the survey and filled out the questionnaire.Descriptive analysis was conducted on the five parts of the questionnaire, including general knowledge, symptomology, screening and diagnosis, and intervention and treatment. Univariate analysis was used to assess impacts of the participants' basic demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze association of the participants' basic demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores. Results: Less than 15% of the participants knew that ASD is a developmental, congenital and genetic disorder. Few participants knew that the symptoms include language disorder (38.4%) and social dysfunction (29.6%). A minority of the participants knew the diagnostic criteria (22.6%) and the age for early screening (14.5%). A total of 23.9% of the participants agreed that there are no effective drugs to treat ASD, and 6.3% agreed that ASD is incurable. A number of years in practice of ≥10 (OR = 0.3249, 95% CI: 0.1080-0.9189) was the main factor related to a high questionnaire score. Conclusions: Most participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge of ASD, especially in terms of general knowledge as well as knowledge of intervention and treatment. Working for more than 10 years was a significant predictor of higher levels of awareness and knowledge of ASD. ASD-related training and knowledge dissemination are crucial for the early diagnosis and intervention of ASD. Child health care workers' awareness and knowledge of ASD needs to be improved to help build public awareness about ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ma
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Guiyang Baiyun District Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Yue Ping
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Yaozhou Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Department of Neurology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Guiyang Baiyun District Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
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Shawahna R, Fahed B, Qadri D, Sharawi L, Soroghli M, Dweik M. Awareness and Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Pharmacists: A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestinian Pharmacy Practice. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1618-1627. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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