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Kurmanalina S, Samambayeva A, Akhtayeva N, Kozhageldiyeva L, Kosherbayeva L. Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Population of Kazakhstan. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06350-1. [PMID: 38656465 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06350-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, an abundance of research has substantiated the escalating prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on a global scale. The aim to assess the level of awareness regarding ASD among the Kazakhstan population, as well as their readiness to offer help to individuals affected by ASD. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted encompassing individuals aged 18 years and above, using both the Russian and Kazakh languages. The survey was administered through Google Forms during April to June 2023. The link to survey was disseminated through WhatsApp chats of different social groups, including primary care specialists (general practitioners and nurses), and educators from primary and secondary schools from all 17 regions of Kazakhstan, spanning urban and rural areas. 410 participants took part in the survey in total. Statistical significance will be defined as p-values < 0.05. RESULTS Individuals aged 25 and above, who are both educated and employed, exhibit a greater awareness of ASD compared to other demographic groups. A low proportion of respondents (18.3%) demonstrated familiarity with the key symptoms of ASD as well as on its causes. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that the primary resource for acquiring information about ASD was the internet for both of these regions. CONCLUSION Low awareness on ASD symptoms and treatment methods was identified in both areas. There is a need to develop activities to increase the public awareness on ASD, including knowledge on early symptoms of ASD and facilities that address the needs of people on the ASD and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aizhan Samambayeva
- Suleyman Demirel University, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan
- ALimRE (Advancing learning through the innovation methods in research and education), Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan
| | - Nazgul Akhtayeva
- Suleyman Demirel University, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan
- Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty city, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Lyazzat Kosherbayeva
- Suleyman Demirel University, Almaty oblast, Kazakhstan.
- Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty city, Kazakhstan.
- , Abylai khan street, 1/1, Karasay region, Kaskelen city, Almaty oblast, 040900, Kazakhstan.
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Okoye C, Obialo-Ibeawuchi CM, Obajeun OA, Sarwar S, Tawfik C, Waleed MS, Wasim AU, Mohamoud I, Afolayan AY, Mbaezue RN. Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review and Analysis of the Risks and Benefits. Cureus 2023; 15:e43226. [PMID: 37692637 PMCID: PMC10491411 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition made up of enduring challenges in social communication and interaction and the presence of repetitive and restricted behavior patterns. Early diagnosis of autism is crucial for timely intervention and improved long-term outcomes. This review aims to explore some of its signs and symptoms, look into some diagnostic tools, and analyze the benefits and risks associated with an early diagnosis of autism. The symptoms of ASD vary from child to child, some of which are: avoidance of eye contact, lack of response to names, excessive fear, and lack of interactive and pretend play. Early identification of these symptoms by caregivers and healthcare providers facilitates the need for diagnosis and appropriate interventions. Some screening and diagnostic tools that have been found to help make the diagnosis are the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), amongst others. The benefits of early diagnosis include the opportunity for early intervention, which has been shown to enhance developmental outcomes and improve adaptive skills. Early identification allows for the implementation of specialized interventions tailored to the specific needs of individuals with autism, targeting social communication, language development, and behavioral challenges. Furthermore, early diagnosis enables families to access appropriate support services, educational resources, and community programs, facilitating better coping mechanisms, reducing parental stress, and increasing adult independence. However, early diagnosis of autism also entails certain risks. One significant concern is the potential for labeling and stigmatization, which can impact the child's self-esteem and social interactions. There is a risk of overdiagnosis or misdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary interventions and treatments. Additionally, the diagnostic process can be lengthy, complex, and emotionally challenging for families, requiring comprehensive assessments by multidisciplinary teams. This review highlights the importance of a balanced approach when considering the benefits and risks of early diagnosis. Early identification allows for timely interventions that significantly improve developmental outcomes and quality of life for individuals with autism. To mitigate the risks, it is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic procedures, support families throughout the process, and promote societal awareness and acceptance. We also highlighted some future directions in the management of autism, including the use of biomarkers and the use of artificial intelligence and learning for diagnosing ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiugo Okoye
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | | | | | - Sarosh Sarwar
- Medicine and Surgery, Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Christine Tawfik
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, October 6 University, Giza Governorate, EGY
| | | | - Asad Ullah Wasim
- Internal Medicine, Air University, Islamabad, PAK
- Internal Medicine, Fazaia Medical College, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Iman Mohamoud
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Adebola Y Afolayan
- Internal Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, New York City, USA
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Göksel P, Oban V, Dikeç G, Usta MB. Qualitative and Artificial Intelligence-Based Sentiment Analysis of Turkish Twitter Messages Related to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cureus 2023; 15:e38446. [PMID: 37143854 PMCID: PMC10153655 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38446] [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] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to conduct an emotional analysis of Turkish Twitter messages related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). METHODS An emotion analysis was performed using quantitative and qualitative analysis methods on Turkish Twitter messages shared between November 2021 and January 2022 that contained the words "autism" and "autistic." RESULTS It was found that 81.5% of the 13,042 messages that constituted the sample of this study contained neutral emotions. The most frequently used words in Twitter messages were autism, a, universe, strong, patience, warriors, and happy. The qualitative analysis revealed three main themes. These themes were: "experiences," "informing society and awareness," and "humiliation." CONCLUSION In this study, it was found that Turkish Twitter messages related to autism, which were analyzed using artificial intelligence-based emotion analysis, often contained neutral emotions. While the content of these messages, often shared by parents, was related to experiences, and the messages shared by pediatric psychiatrists and rehabilitation center employees were informative in nature, it was determined that the word "autism" was used to insult, which is outside of its medical meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Göksel
- Psychiatry, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, TUR
| | - Volkan Oban
- Psychiatry, Independent Reseacher, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Gül Dikeç
- Nursing, Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, TUR
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Rouphael M, Gerges P, Andres C, Sacre Y, Bitar T, Hleihel W. Evaluation of the Lebanese Adults' Knowledge Regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4622. [PMID: 36901632 PMCID: PMC10001669 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The daily functioning and overall well-being of people with ASD depends largely on understanding how the wider public views ASD. Indeed, an increased level of ASD knowledge in the general population may result in earlier diagnosis, earlier intervention, and better overall outcomes. The present study aimed to examine the current state of ASD knowledge, beliefs, and sources of information in a Lebanese general population sample, to identify the factors that could influence this knowledge. A total of 500 participants were involved in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in Lebanon between May 2022 and August 2022 using the Autism Spectrum Knowledge scale, General Population version (ASKSG). Overall, the participants' understanding of autism spectrum disorder was low, with a mean score of 13.8 (6.69) out of 32, or 43.1%. The highest knowledge score was found for items related to knowledge of the symptoms and associated behaviors (52%). However, the level of knowledge regarding the etiology and prevalence, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and prognosis of the disease was low (29%, 39.2%, 46%, and 43.4%, respectively). Moreover, age, gender, place of residence, sources of information, and ASD case were all statistically significant predictors of ASD knowledge (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The general public in Lebanon perceive a lack of awareness and insufficient knowledge regarding ASD. This results in delayed identification and intervention, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes in patients. Raising awareness about autism among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals should be a top priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Rouphael
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
- UMR Inserm 1253 Ibrain, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Perla Gerges
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Christian Andres
- UMR Inserm 1253 Ibrain, Université de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Tania Bitar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
| | - Walid Hleihel
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
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AlAlmaei Asiri WM, Shati AA, Al-Qahtani SM, Al-Qahtani YA, Aldarami MS, Alamri FD, Alshahrani HS, Esam Mahmood S. Assessment of Parental Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception About Autism Spectrum Disorders in Aseer Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:557-564. [PMID: 36814891 PMCID: PMC9940486 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s377521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects young children in social relatedness and communication besides other characteristics. A community's awareness and early intervention services in diagnosing and treating autistic children are essential for preventing the expected complications, eg language delay, social interaction, and intellectual ability. Aim To assess the parent's knowledge and perceptions regarding autism and its associated clinical features and effects. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting all available parents aged 18 years or more living in Aseer region. Data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire from randomly selected parents who attended outpatient clinics at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and Aseer Central Hospital. Parents' knowledge regarding autism was assessed covering general knowledge, clinical features, social effects, consequences, and curability. Results A total of 477 parents participated. Parents' ages ranged from 18 to 85 years. 261 (54.7%) parents were male and 216 (45.3%) were females. Nearly 65.6% of parents were university graduates and 28.3% had a secondary level of education. About 50.9% of the parents know that genetics play a major role in causing autism, 69.6% think that most children with autism have special talents or abilities, 64.2% know that delayed language development is one of the main symptoms of autism, 61.2% also know that repetitive movements of the hands and head are a common symptom of autism. About 36.9% of parents think that diagnosing a child with autism will lead to discrimination against the child, 33.3% of parents think that autism is a rare condition in this country compared to the West. Conclusion The study showed that parents had poor knowledge levels regarding autism and its related clinical features, especially male parents with low levels of education. On the other hand, their perception of the disease and its frequency in the study area was satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayed A Shati
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia,Correspondence: Ayed A Shati, Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 641, Abha, Saudi Arabia, Email
| | - Saleh M Al-Qahtani
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Youssef A Al-Qahtani
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fahad D Alamri
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huda S Alshahrani
- Department of Psychiatry, Abha Psychiatric Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Esam Mahmood
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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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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Song C, Wu L, Hong Y, Chen X, Zhu Z. Factors affecting knowledge of autism spectrum disorder among pediatric residents in eastern China: a cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:699. [PMID: 36192723 PMCID: PMC9528050 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03770-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early identification of ASD in children and intervention are key aspects in the management of ASD. However, early identification is partly dependent on knowledge on ASD among pediatricians. This study analyzed the extent of ASD knowledge and its underlying factors among pediatric residents in eastern China, to provide a reference for medical education reforms. METHODS The study employed the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers questionnaire. A total of 138 pediatric residents participated in the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and the four domains of the questionnaire. Univariate analysis was employed to assess impacts of the demographic characteristics on the questionnaire scores. On the other hand, multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the participants' demographic characteristics and the questionnaire scores. RESULTS The average ASD cognitive score of 138 respondents was 13.38 ± 4.48. The ASD cognitive scores in female pediatric residents were higher compared to that in males (p < 0.05). Residents who had obtained professional doctor qualification certificate were more than those without professional doctor qualification certificate (p < 0.05). The ASD knowledge in the group which did not have rotation in both departments was lower than in the group which had rotation in both departments (p < 0.05) as well as the group that had rotation in developmental and behavioral pediatrics department only (p < 0.05). Our multivariate linear regression model demonstrated significant statistical differences (p < 0.05), and showed that gender and systematic exposure to ASD knowledge had significant effects on cognitive scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Most participants had relatively low levels of awareness and knowledge about ASD, especially on ASD comorbidities and age of onset. Women, systematic learning of ASD knowledge in medical school, successful passing of the physician examination, and rotation in the developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP) department significantly influence the levels of ASD awareness and knowledge. It is, therefore, important to strengthen ASD education in medical students at the university level and make rotation in the DBP department a requisite for pediatric trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Song
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunxia Hong
- Education Office, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- Department of Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Centre for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Analysis of Spanish Parents’ Knowledge about ASD and Their Attitudes towards Inclusive Education. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:870-881. [PMID: 35877463 PMCID: PMC9324007 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12070063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To make possible the inclusion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream settings, parental knowledge and attitudes towards the disorder play a key role between the home and the school setting. However, prior literature has not carried out an in-depth analysis of parents’ knowledge about ASD and their attitudes toward the inclusion of children with this diagnosis. This study examined the parental attitudes towards inclusion and knowledge about ASD. Participants were parents of children with ASD (n = 75), parents of children without ASD whose children had prior or current contact with peers with ASD (n = 44), and parents of children with no previous interactions with a peer with ASD (n = 51). The Attitudes of Regular Educators Towards Inclusion for Students with Autism Survey and the Autism Knowledge Questionnaire were filled out. Nonparametric statistical tests were used. Results showed that parents of children with ASD have better knowledge about this disorder and hold more favorable attitudes towards the inclusion of children with ASD than the other parents. These findings suggest that the benefits of inclusive schooling are limited to the school setting and do not appear to affect families of children without ASD.
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Sher DA, Gibson JL, Sher HE. 'We've come a very, very, long way' Overcoming stigma of autism: An interpretative phenomenological analysis within the UK Jewish community. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:2066-2083. [PMID: 35317657 PMCID: PMC9597152 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221075099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autistic people contend with high levels of stigma in many cultures worldwide.
There is a scarcity of literature on stigma in relation to autism in faith
communities and virtually no research focussing on this topic in Jewish
communities. In this study, we aimed to explore experiences of stigma towards
autism and sought views on what steps have and can be taken to reduce such
stigma. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach, we conducted
semi-structured interviews with 10 participants within the UK Jewish community,
in both mainstream and specialist autistic schools. Interviews were conducted
over 2 months in 2020. During analysis, 5 superordinate (central) themes and 13
subordinate themes were abstracted. Superordinate themes included ‘Stigma not
specific to the Jewish community’; ‘Considerable strides made’; ‘More a lack of
knowledge or denial than stigma’; ‘Fear of stigma is a real concern but not
widely prevalent’; and ‘Potent factors that reduce stigma in the Jewish
community’. We recommend workshops for greater awareness and training for
teachers and parents on autism and autistic children’s experiences. We also
recommend the formation of specialist autism schools in other communities and
promotion of positive narratives concerning autistic people, as this
successfully reduced stigma within the Jewish community.
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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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Sangare M, Dembele B, Toure A, Diakite S, Awandare G, Kouyate M, Doumbia S, Diakite M, Togora A, Coulibaly S, Dolo H. Autism seminary for public engagement: evaluation of knowledge and attitudes of traditional medical practitioners in Mali. AAS Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/aasopenres.12955.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are stigmatizing in Africa and traditional medical practitioners occupy the first line of diagnosis and treatment due to the cultural perception of ASD, and the scarcity of conventional health services in Mali. We aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning autism among traditional medical practitioners in Bamako, Mali. Methods: We conducted a 6-week cross-sectional survey following a 1-day autism awareness seminary on September 9th, 2017 in Bamako. A questionnaire was designed to assess the KAP regarding autism. To assess their practices, parents of autistic children were asked about their experiences with traditional medical practitioners. Results: Of the 37 study participants 67.60% were males and 56.8% had not heard about autism before the seminary. After the seminary, 73% claimed to understand the diagnosis criteria of autism, but only 16.2% could recall symptoms from all the three domains (reciprocal social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and stereotyped behaviors/restricted interests) of a child development impaired by autism. Of traditional medical practitioners, 73% believed autism was caused by devils, God’s will, bad luck and divine punishment of maternal misbehavior; 65% were used to treating mental illness, and 78.4% felt traditional healing was the only treatment option in autism. Negative attitudes towards autistic children were present in 18.9%, suggesting a very strong cultural mindset on autism. Conclusion: Knowledge on autism was poor among traditional medical practitioners. A culturally tailored autism public engagement strategy is necessary to positively change the mindset of Malian traditional medical practitioners.
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