Knowledge Level of Family Medicine Specialist Students on Autism Spectrum Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54308/tahd.2024.74936Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder, family medicine residency students, knowledge levelAbstract
Objective: The aim is to evaluate the level of knowledge of family medicine residents studying in Turkey about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, it was intended to identify the features that affect the level of knowledge to contribute to increasing knowledge.
Methods: Between 22.02.2022-29.05.2022, 247 family medicine residency students studying in Turkey participated in our study with an online survey. The survey form consisted of; sociodemographic-features that may affect the level of knowledge about ASD and knowledge questions costructed by the researchers.
Results: The factors that increased the level of knowledge statistically significantly were: Being a part-time resident, receiving theoretical or clinical training on ASD during their medical education, meeting with a suspected/diagnosed child with ASD in professional life, feeling competent about ASD, participating in the “Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening and Follow-Up Program” run by the Ministry of Health In addition, a positive correlation was found between the duration of residency and the level of knowledge.
Conclusion: Considering the general average score in our study, it can be said that our participants met our prediction that more than 50% of the information questions would be answered correctly, and that the level of knowledge was relatively good. However, it is necessary to increase the level of knowledge and awareness about ASD to a higher level by identifying the inadequate aspects of our family medicine students, who will frequently encounter individuals with suspected ASD. The issue of ASD should be given importance in both medical education and postgraduate vocational and specialist training. The sense of competence in ASD and the self-confidence in the approach to the patient with ASD should be increased. The importance of a holistic evaluation in terms of physical, mental and social aspects should be emphasized in the approach of family physicians to patients.
