A Systematic Review of Research on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Amina Abubakar,Derrick Ssewanyana,Charles R. Newton

doi:10.1155/2016/3501910

Abstract

The burden of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not well known. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to identify published work from SSA. We have systematically searched four databases, namely, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Child Development & Adolescent Studies, through EBSCO and identified studies from across SSA. Based on predefined inclusion criteria, 47 studies were included in this review. Most of the identified studies (74%) were conducted in only 2 African countries, that is, South Africa and Nigeria. Additionally, most of these studies (83%) were carried out in the last decade. These studies had four major themes: development of measurement tools of ASD in Africa, examining the prevalence of ASD, identifying risk factors and risk markers, and examining psychosocial issues. We identified only a single population level study aimed at documenting the prevalence of ASD and could not identify a single case-control study aimed at examining a comprehensive set of potential risk factors. All intervention studies were based on very small sample sizes. Put together, our findings suggest that current evidence base is too scanty to provide the required information to plan adequately for effective intervention strategies for children with ASD in Africa.

Highlights

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a neurodevelopmental syndrome with growing global health concern
This study investigated relations among empathy and 40 children
We identified only a single population level study aimed at documenting the prevalence of ASD in Africa

Summary

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a neurodevelopmental syndrome with growing global health concern. This syndrome is characterized by deficits in social and communication skills and restricted and repetitive behaviour; and these adversely impact quality of life of those affected as well as their families [1]. One in every 160 persons is estimated to live with ASD, contributing to 7.6 million disability life adjusted years [2]. Studies on ASD document a large burden of nonverbal ASD cases (50−71%) and over 60% comorbid intellectual disability among African children with ASD [10, 11] These and other distinctive traits of ASD in Africa such as a potential infectious aetiology, late diagnosis, and poor management [2, 3, 12] accentuate the need for more research focus and public health response in this region

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