The awareness of childhood autism among residents of neuropsychiatric and other disciplines of a research and training hospital in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: To assess the awareness of childhood autism among physicians undergoing residency training in various disciplines. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a research and training hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, in February 2013 and comprised physicians undergoing residency training in various disciplines. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Questions about awareness on autism were prepared in the light of Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers questionnaire. Results: Of the 128 physicians, 122(95.3%) were aware that the most known characteristic of childhood autism was failure to build-up friendship. All of the 29(22.66%) physicians at the neuropsychiatric disciplines were aware that autism can be a genetic disorder, whereas, in other disciplines 69(69.7) physicians had that awareness. Besides, 15(51.7%) of the residents of the neuropsychiatric disciplines thought that autism can be associated with childhood epilepsy, while 32(32.3%) physicians of other disciplines gave a similar answer (p=0.057). Conclusion: The awareness on childhood autism of residents belonging to the non-neuropsychiatric disciplines was moderate.