Assessment of Knowledge About Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Paediatricians

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of Paediatricians who have good knowledge for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: It is cross-sectional study conducted in department of Paediatric Medicine, Children Hospital, Lahore, Jinnah Hospital and Services Hospital Lahore, in 6 months duration, spanning from June 27, 2016 till December 27, 2016. A total of 89 doctors fulfilling the inclusion criteria were registered after informed consent. Demographic data (including age, sex, qualification and duration of clinical experience) was taken. Doctors were given a questionnaire to assess their knowledge of ASD. The questionnaire was a nineteen-item self-administered questionnaire divided into four domains namely, social interaction (Domain 1), impairment in communication (Domain 2), repetitive behavior (Domain 3), characteristics of autism as a disorder and its comorbidities (Domain 4). The KCAHW sore ≥ 15 was considered as good. Data was entered and analyzed in (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: The mean age of subjects was 30.67±2.80 years with 31(31%) physicians male and 69(69%) were females. The mean KCAHW score was 15.07±3.54 with minimum and maximum score of 7 and 19. According to operational definition a total of 62(62%) subjects had good knowledge while 38(38%) physician had score < 15. Conclusion: Though 68% of paediatricians had good knowledge about childhood autism according to our study. The physicians who had poor knowledge, must be considered for different educational activities to enhance their knowledge regarding ASD, which may help in early diagnosis and improving prognosis of children with ASD. Key Words: Paediatricians, Autism spectrum disorder How to Cite: Zia F, Qamar H, Aslam I, Siddiqui MA. Assessment of knowledge about autism spectrum disorder among paediatricians. Esculapio.2020;16(04):83-86.