Open AccessAwareness about Autism among Primary Healthcare Providers in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study
Author(s) -
Yahya M. AlFarsi,
Mohammed Ali Al Shafaee,
Kauthar S. Al-Lawati,
Marwan M. Al-Sharbati,
Mohammed F. Al-Tamimi,
Omar A. Al-Farsi,
Jawahar A. Al Hinai,
Samir AlAdawi
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
global journal of health science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1916-9744
pISSN - 1916-9736
DOI - 10.5539/gjhs.v9n6p65
Subject(s) - autism , medicine , referral , cross sectional study , intervention (counseling) , health care , family medicine , population , psychiatry , environmental health , pathology , economics , economic growth
BACKGROUND: Many developing countries such as Oman are marred with the rising tide of children with autism and the lack of specialized services for these children. Within existing compartmentalized and centralized health care organizations, the general practitioners (GPs) are likely to serve as the first level of contact relevant for diagnosis and referral for remedial services. This study aims to explore the awareness of autism among GPs in Oman on issue pertinent to etiology, signs and symptoms, perceived correlates, as well as the consequence of having autism. Related to this is to examine whether years of medical practice would invariably influence GPs’ awareness. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among GPs (n=113) working at primary healthcare centers (PHC) during September 2013 to February 2014 in Muscat, the capital of Oman.RESULTS: The GPs appear to have suboptimal awareness of etiological factors relevant for the development of autism, its common signs and symptoms, perceived correlates, as well as the social dimension. Number of years in practice has little bearing on awareness.CONCLUSION: Empirical evidence has unequivocally indicated that although there is no known ‘cure’ for autism, early identification and early intervention tend to better the quality of life for children with autism. This means GPs in Oman should be fitted with adequate awareness of such population.