Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkish Journal of Pediatrics, cilt.67, sa.5, ss.623-633, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
Background. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening and follow-up programs are implemented in all provinces in Türkiye as part of the National Action Plan for Individuals with ASD. Primary health care professionals are trained regarding ASD by child and adolescent psychiatrists, aiming to ensure that risky children are diagnosed and referred earlier and diagnosed in early childhood. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of an ASD training program provided to primary healthcare professionals. Methods. Three hundred and three individuals consisting of family physicians and family healthcare workers (FHW) who participated in the ASD training program were recruited in the study in the Muğla province of Türkiye. The Knowledge About Childhood Autism Among Health Workers Questionnaire (KCAHW) was completed by all participants before and after the training. Results. The mean total KCAHW scores pre-and post-training were 13.12±3.14 and 16.48±2.02, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in Domains 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the total scores pre-and post-training (p<0.001). The effect sizes of the differences in KCAHW domains 1, 2, 3, 4, and the total score for family physicians and FHWs’ pre-and post-test means were 0.24, 0.01, 0.08, 0.14, and 0.22, respectively. Conclusions. Family physicians and the FHWs benefited from the intervention in all domains of the KCAHW. The training program provided within the scope of the ASD screening and follow-up program significantly increased knowledge and awareness of ASD in primary healthcare providers.