Public awareness of autism spectrum disorder.
Neurosciences (Riyadh)
; 22(3): 213-215, 2017 07.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28678216
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Examine the awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in our community which would help in early recognition and improved support of affected families.METHODS:
A focused 20-item questionnaire was designed to survey the public awareness and knowledge of ASD. Personal interviews were conducted during an ASD awareness day, which was organized in a major shopping mall on February 20, 2015 in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.RESULTS:
A total of 259 individuals participated in the study with 47% being <30 years of age and 57% being females. Most participants (60%) were married, educated (68% university level), and employed (54%). When asked if they knew what autism is, 88% responded positively. However, when asked to rate their degree of knowledge, 41% felt that it is weak. Females and those older than 30 years of age were more likely to feel knowledgeable (p=0.04 for females and p=0.013 for those >30 years of age). Females were more likely to think that autistic children can be employed in the future (p=0.008), whereas males were more likely to think that autism is similar to mental retardation (p=0.005).CONCLUSION:
The public awareness of ASD needs improvement. Areas for targeted education were identified to help improve the quality of life of autistic children and their families.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
População Urbana
/
Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde
/
Transtorno do Espectro Autista
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article