Knowledge and Management Practices of Paediatricians about Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kathmandu, Nepal

Authors

  • Goma Kumari Khatri HealthRight International, District Project Office, Kapilvastu
  • Sharad Raj Onta Head of Department of Community Medicine and Family Health, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Maharajgunj
  • Suresh Tiwari Nepal Health Sector Support Programme (NHSSP)
  • BP Choulagai Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Family Health, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Maharajgunj

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i2.4640

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Autistic, socialisation problem, communication problem, steriotyped behavior

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder is increasing day by day around the world. Recent finding of CDC shows that this problem occurs 1 in 110 populations. This problem is such a disorder, which not only affects to the individuals but also the families, society and nation as a whole if not managed properly.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and management practices of Paediatricians about Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Methods: The study design was descriptive and cross sectional. A census was used to select the study unit and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results: Out of 54 Paediatricians, 64.8 percent had inadequet knowledge and 59.3 percent had inadequet practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Majority of them (79.6%) knew that Autism Spectrum Disorder is a Developmental Disorder but they (24.1%) also mentioned it to be mental retardation and 13 percent thought that it as a form of psychosis. Most of Paediatricians, (72.2%) knew that Autism Spectrum Disorder could be due to genetic reason. However, a significant number of respondents 22.2 percent also believed that Autism Spectrum Disorder could occur due to the neglect of children. Almost fifty percent of Paediatricians had rarely handled the Autistic child and a majority of the Paediatricians, (90.7%) found it difficult to diagnose this disease.

Conclusion: Most of the Paediatricians in Nepal have inadequet knowledge and practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although some of the practice was good, they also had misconceptions as to managing the children with Autistic disorders. Most of the Paediatricians need to improve their knowledge and practice related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Key words: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Autistic; socialisation problem; communication problem; steriotyped behavior.

DOI: 10.3126/jnps.v31i2.4640

J Nep Paedtr Soc 2010;31(2):98-104

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How to Cite

Khatri, G. K., Onta, S. R., Tiwari, S., & Choulagai, B. (2011). Knowledge and Management Practices of Paediatricians about Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 31(2), 98–104. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v31i2.4640

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2011)

Section

Original Articles

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