Knowledge about Childhood Autism Among Healthcare Workers in Nigeria
Author Information
Author(s): Bakare Muideen O, Ebigbo Peter O, Agomoh Ahamefule O, Eaton Julian, Onyeama Gabriel M, Okonkwo Kevin O, Onwukwe Jojo U, Igwe Monday N, Orovwigho Andrew O, Aguocha Chinyere M
Primary Institution: Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, New Haven, Enugu, Nigeria
Hypothesis
Assessing the baseline knowledge about childhood autism among Nigerian healthcare workers is essential for designing effective educational programs.
Conclusion
Healthcare workers in Nigeria have significant knowledge gaps regarding childhood autism, particularly in specific symptom domains.
Supporting Evidence
- Healthcare workers in their fourth decade of life and above tend to have higher knowledge scores.
- Previous experience managing children with autism spectrum disorders is associated with higher knowledge scores.
- More than half of the healthcare workers believe that facilities for autism care are lacking in Nigeria.
Takeaway
This study found that many healthcare workers in Nigeria don't know enough about childhood autism, which means they need more training to help kids better.
Methodology
Healthcare workers were interviewed using questionnaires assessing their knowledge and opinions regarding childhood autism.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from self-reported knowledge and opinions of healthcare workers.
Limitations
The study was limited to healthcare workers in specific regions of Nigeria, which may not represent the entire country.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":71,"female":63},"age":{"20-29":28,"30-39":57,"40-49":44,"50 and above":5},"marital_status":{"single":38,"married":91,"separated_divorced":1,"widowed":4},"area_of_specialty":{"pediatrics":21,"psychiatry":113},"working_experience":{"1-5 years":61,"6-10 years":9,"11-15 years":16,"16-20 years":41,"20 and above":7}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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