Knowledge and beliefs about autism spectrum disorders among physicians: a cross-sectional survey from China.
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ABSTRACT: Background
The incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing greatly, with high demands for earlier diagnosis and intervention. However, little is known about ASD knowledge and beliefs among physicians in China.Methods
A questionnaire survey was used to assess the knowledge and beliefs about the diagnosis and management of ASD and 24 beliefs regarding the treatment and prognostic aspects of ASD among physicians of any medical specialty in China.Results
A total of 1160 physicians were recruited and surveyed, with an average score of 8.48±2.66 (total of 18 points) for the questionnaire on the main symptoms of ASD and 14.35±3.69 (total of 24 points) for beliefs about ASD. Physicians' age, sex, specialty and practice years were related to their knowledge of identifying patients with ASD. Physicians specialising in paediatrics/psychology/psychiatry scored higher than those specialising in other specialties both in response to diagnostic questions (8.98±2.63 vs 8.30±2.65, p<0.001) and beliefs about ASD (15.57±3.44 vs 13.97±3.97, p<0.001).Conclusions
Knowledge and beliefs about ASD symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are insufficient among physicians in China. Education and training programmes on this topic should be enhanced in physicians of all specialties, especially for male physicians who have short years in practice.
SUBMITTER: Mao S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9756177 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Knowledge and beliefs about autism spectrum disorders among physicians: a cross-sectional survey from China.
Mao Shujiong S Fan Xiaoli X Ma Ye Y Chen Yi Y Lv Jiamin J Yang Rongwang R
BMJ paediatrics open 20221201 1
<h4>Background</h4>The incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is increasing greatly, with high demands for earlier diagnosis and intervention. However, little is known about ASD knowledge and beliefs among physicians in China.<h4>Methods</h4>A questionnaire survey was used to assess the knowledge and beliefs about the diagnosis and management of ASD and 24 beliefs regarding the treatment and prognostic aspects of ASD among physicians of any medical specialty in China.<h4>Results</h4>A tot ...[more]
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| S-EPMC8086781 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In this study, whole genome sequencing was performed in two autistic families (as trio).
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Project description:Limited efforts have been made in middle- and low-income countries to raise public awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past ten years. We report data from a general population survey exploring the relationship between awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding autism in Malaysia. A questionnaire consisting of items related to awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding ASD was distributed. The scores of knowledge of ASD and attitude towards ASD were 6.87 (SD = 4.17; with a total possible score of 12) and 6.39 (SD = 2.77; with a total possible score of 9), respectively, indicating that, on average, the participants had moderate levels of knowledge and attitude. Structural equation modeling showed that improving awareness and knowledge about ASD will enhance more positive attitudes towards ASD. Efforts should be geared towards disseminating information about ASD, in order to increase acceptance of the disorder.
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Project description:BackgroundDietary interventions are first-line therapies for the prevention and management of many chronic diseases, yet primary care physicians prescribe these interventions infrequently.ObjectivesThis study investigates primary care physicians' current knowledge and opinions regarding the delivery of dietary interventions. This work aims to identify modifiable barriers to prescribing dietary interventions to prevent and treat diet-related diseases.MethodsWe designed and fielded an anonymous, cross-sectional survey of faculty and resident physicians across the Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics departments in three academic and community hospitals in lower Michigan. Data were collected between January 15 and April 15, 2019. Self-rated knowledge and attitudes were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Objective scores were calculated for each question as percentage answered correctly among all respondents. Objective knowledge scores were compared based on participants' years in practice.ResultsResponse rate was 23% (356 responses). The sample was 62.3% female and 75.3% non-Hispanic White, and 56.7% were age 40 or younger. Average objective knowledge score was 70.3% (±17.2) correct. Mean self-rated knowledge score was 2.51 (±0.96) on a scale of 1(Poor) - 5(Excellent). Overall agreement with a statement of importance of dietary interventions was 3.99 (±0.40) on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). A majority (91.7%) of respondents indicated they would like more opportunities to learn about the evidence supporting dietary interventions.ConclusionsPhysicians desire to incorporate dietary interventions into their practice. Findings encourage the development of educational strategies to support dietary intervention use among primary care physicians.
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