Knowledge And Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Pediatricians: A Cross-Sectional Study from Turkey

Authors : Zeynep Vatansever Pınar, Elif Küçük, Mehmet Tolga Köle, Yasemin Akın

Pages : 363-371

Doi:10.53446/actamednicomedia.1753041

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Publication Date : 2025-10-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that requires early recognition and multidisciplinary management. Pediatricians play a key role in the early detection and referral of children with suspected ASD. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness levels of pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, and pediatric residents in Turkey regarding ASD, and to examine the influence of professional experience and educational background on these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 125 physicians using the validated Turkish version of the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW) scale. Sociodemographic data, clinical experience, and educational exposure were recorded. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: The mean KCAHW score was 15.19 ± 2.15. No significant differences were observed based on gender, age, academic title, or years of experience (p>0.05). Higher scores were found among participants who had received ASD-related training during residency, were familiar with DSM-5 criteria, or had read ASD-related literature (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age and fewer years of experience were associated with a higher risk of lower knowledge scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that ASD knowledge among pediatricians in Türkiye is shaped predominantly by educational exposure and individual effort rather than seniority. Structured ASD-focused training modules should be incorporated into pediatric residency curricula and continuing medical education programs to strengthen early recognition and referral practices.
Keywords : Otizm spektrum bozukluğu, SÇ-OBA, Çocuk doktorları, Bilgi düzeyi

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