Awareness and Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Family Medicine Residents in Al Madinah Region in Saudi Arabia, 2020

Abstract

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of conditions characterized by some degree of impaired social behavior, communication and language, and a narrow range of interests and activities that are both unique to the individual and carried out repetitively. Objective: To assess knowledge of Family Medicine residents in Al Madinah Region regarding childhood autism. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge of 103 family medicine residents about childhood autism in Al Madinah Region, Saudi Arabia. A structured self-administered web-based Healthcare Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire was used to assess knowledge of childhood autism among participant residents. Results: Residents’ total score (Mean±SD) was 13.18±2.80 (out of 19, 69.4%). The highest attained mean scores were for the first and second domains (6.36±1.64, 79.5% and 0.78±0.42, 78%, respectively), while the lowest was for the fourth domain (2.62±1.10, out of 6, 43.7%). Highest mean knowledge scores among participants were among those aged 35-39 years (13.33±0.58). However, knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to residents’ age groups. Male residents had significantly lower knowledge scores than females (12.56±2.53 and 14.21±2.95, respectively, p=0.003). Mean knowledge scores were highest among R4 residents (13.66±2.91). However, knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to residents’ training levels. Participants in Yanbu Residency Program had significantly lower mean knowledge scores than those in AL Madinah (12.26±2.70 and 13.45±2.79, respectively). However, knowledge scores did not differ significantly according to residency programs. Mean knowledge scores about autism did not differ significantly according to attending workshops or conferences about autism. Conclusion: Knowledge of family medicine residents regarding childhood autism is suboptimal. Correlates of KCA may help in selection of healthcare workers who would best provide health education and management for caregivers of children with autism. It is important to update the knowledge gaps of healthcare workers who have limited knowledge regarding childhood autism and to train them to be able to provide healthcare service that would ensure early diagnosis and interventions for management of autism. Key words: Autism spectrum disorder, children, Family Medicine, Knowledge, Saudi Arabia.