Affiliation:
1. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College, Anbar University, Ramadi, Iraq
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Autism is increasing in prevalence year by year worldwide. In most cases, women are the primary health-care providers; eventually, they should manage to identify the signs and symptoms of autism and respond accordingly. The ultimate goal is to achieve optimum care for patients with autism. This study aims to ascertain the mothers’ awareness and knowledge of autism.
Methodology:
A descriptive study design using a purposive (nonprobability) sample of 230 women in the age range 17–48 years were included in this study from women visiting Primary Health Care Centers in Ramadi city.
Results:
About one-quarter of women (25.2%) reported to have an autistic child, only 11.3% of them do not know that their children show no contact, interaction, or interest with other children. Social media were the most frequent source of information regarding autism (38.7%). About half of the women under study do not know if autism is a genetic disease.
Conclusions:
The study revealed a high perception of women regarding autism.
Reference20 articles.
1. Environmental factors influencing the risk of autism;Karimi;J Res Med Sci,2017
2. Autism and autistic symptoms associated with childhood lead poisoning;Lidsky;J Appl Res,2005
3. A descriptive study among children suffering from Autism in Baghdad, Iraq;Abdulmahdi;Res J Pharm Tech,2017
4. Autism in developing countries: Lessons from Iran;Samadi;Autism Res Treat 2011,2011
5. Effects of familial risk factors and place of birth on the risk of autism: A nationwide register-based study;Lauritsen;J Child Psychol Psychiatry,2005