UNDERSTANDING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AMONG THE POPULATION OF KAZAKHSTAN
Background: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) associated with neurodevelopmental condition characterized with repetitive behaviors, lack of social communication. The annual increase in ASD indicates the need to increase awareness of ASD among the population in order to reduce stigma, as well as among parents of early recognition of the first symptoms of ASD. The aim of our study to identify the perception of population about ASD.
Methods: We developed a questionnaire in both Kazakh and Russian languages based on a comprehensive literature review. The survey was conducted across all regions of Kazakhstan using a Google Form, which was distributed through specialists in primary health care and parent groups with children diagnosed with ASD. A total of 410 respondents aged 18 years and above voluntarily participated in the survey. The collected data underwent statistical analyses using MS Excel and SPSS13.
Results: The survey primarily attracted participants aged 25 to 54 years. This may indicate that information about the prevalence of autism and organizations dealing with this issue is not widely disseminated among other age groups. The overwhelming majority of respondents were unaware of the prevalence of autism in Kazakhstan. This suggests that awareness about this issue remains low and requires additional education and information dissemination efforts. Despite limited awareness of the prevalence, respondents observed a growth in autism cases. This might be a sign of increasing awareness about the issue, but the lack of specific information about its scale could be a concern. Respondents also demonstrated limited knowledge about the nature of autism and organizations working in this field.
Conclusion: There is a pressing need to carry out awareness-raising initiatives among the general population regarding autism and its characteristics, as well as providing essential support to parents and caregivers of children with ASD.
Lyazzat Kosherbayeva1,2,3, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8376-4345
Sandugash Kurmanalina2, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0659-1940
Nazgul Akhtaeva1,2, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0835-9814
Aizhan Samambayeva3,1, http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8600-7980
Kuanysh Altynbekov2,4, http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3755-0914
1 Suleyman Demirel University, Almaty region, Kazakhstan;
2 Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan;
3 ALimRE (Advancing learning through the innovation methods in research and education),
Almaty, Kazakhstan;
4 Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Mental Health, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
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Kosherbayeva L., Kurmanalina S., Akhtaeva N., Samambayeva A., Altynbekov K. Understanding autism spectrum disorders among the population of Kazakhstan // Nauka i Zdravookhranenie [Science & Healthcare]. 2023, (Vol.25) 4, pp. 133-139. doi 10.34689/SH.2023.25.4.016Related publications:
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