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

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Original Papers

License

Submission of a manuscript for publication implies the transfer of the copyright from the author to the publisher upon acceptance. Accepted manuscripts become the permanent property of the Journal of Armed Forces Medical College and may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher.