Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Knowledge and Attitude of Family Medicine Residents in Turkey

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD ) are neuro-devolepmental disorders which prevalence are increasing rapidly all over the world and in our country in recent years. Both disorders diagnosed at an early stage in the case of children studying in the same environment with their peers and have the opportunity to participate in social life. Primary health care services are most appropriate places to identify the children at high risk and follow-up them. Family physician to be equipped in this neurodevelopmental disorders and should refer them. This study aims to determine The Family Physician Resident’s Knowledge and Attitudes of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. The survey form have three part; (1) AHAs Information Form, (2) AHAs OSB Knowledge and Attitudes Scale ( Rahbar ) and ( 3) AHAs ADHD Knowledge and Attitudes Scale ( Ghanizadeh ) . OSB scale consisting of fifteen five-point Likert questions and ADHD scale consist binary twenty items. Volunaty 313 Family Medicine Resident participate the study form nine cities in Turkey. Descriptive statistics has made with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0 software. A statistically significant result regarding gender, age and the period since graduation from medical faculty was found between the knowledge and attitude level about ADHD/ASD. A statistically significant difference in ASD knowledge levels was found between genders (0.04) has been found. The mean score for knowledge levels of female FMRs (6,4) was higher than that of male FMRs (5,5). When the relation between the ages and ASD knowledge levels of FMRs was examined, the statistically significant difference (0.03) between FMRs at 26 years of age and less and 35 years of age and over indicates that the ASD knowledge levels of FMRs at 35 years of age and over is lower. When the period since graduation from medical faculty of FMRs examined, a statistically (P-value 0.09) significant difference ADHD knowledge and attitudes between the earliest graduates (49+ months) with graduated 13-48 months ago. It is suggested that an interdisciplinary approach should be adopted, child developers with a bachelor’s degree should be appointed at FMCs and policy makers should attach priority to this topic.