Socio-demographic Characteristics and Related Factors Affecting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors

  • Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan Assistant Director Medical Services, 19 Infantry Division, Shaheed Salahuddin Cantonment, Ghatail
  • Md Ziaul Islam PhD, Professor of Community Medicine & Head, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, NIPSOM, Mohakhali, Dhaka
  • Ahmed Rafi Commandant, Combined Military Hospital, Comilla
  • Abdullah Al Kawsar Medical Officer, Lymphatic Filariasis elimination and STH Control Program,CDC, DGHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka
  • Khursheda Akhtar Lecturer of Community Medicine, Mugda Medical College, Dhaka.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v13i1.41025

Keywords:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Special school, Therapy, Quality of life.

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, communicative difficulties and repetitive behaviors, with evidence of cognitive dysfunction. Approximately 1% of the world’s population or 67 million are affected by autism. ASD is an emerging public health issue globally which is associated with a huge burden on the family, community and the nation.

Objective: To determine the socio-demographic characteristics and related factors affecting children with ASD to help the government and relevant organizations to take necessary steps to reduce burden of the families.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2015 to June 2016 among 154 children with ASD. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with semi-structured questionnaire following systematic random sampling technique.

Results: Majority (73.4%) of the children were male and mean (±SD) age was 6.66±2.97 years. Most (88.8%) of the children were from urban areas with average monthly family income Tk. 41785.71±23936.45. Majority of the fathers (45.5%) and mothers (31.8%) had 'masters level'of education. Maximum (68.2%) children were from nuclear family and a few (9.1%) parents had a history of consanguineous marriage. Most (96.8%) of the children were initially treated by specialist doctors whereas, the majority (74.0%) were diagnosed in government hospitals. Most (89.6%) of the children were treated withspeech therapy.

Conclusion: Since ASD is a growing public health problem in Bangladesh, countrywide proper early diagnostic facilities, especially in peri-urban and rural areas, should be available to measure its actual burden in the country.

Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.13(1) 2017: 56-61

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Published

2017-04-21

How to Cite

Bhuiyan, M. R., Islam, M. Z., Rafi, A., Kawsar, A. A., & Akhtar, K. (2017). Socio-demographic Characteristics and Related Factors Affecting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 13(1), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v13i1.41025

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Section

Original Papers