Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study is to assess the current level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) among sixth-year medical students in the state universities in Izmir, Turkey.Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 748 medical students in the 4 main universities in Izmir, Turkey. The participants' characteristics, information sources about ASD, training and experience on ASD, their self-confidence in managing suspected patients were noted. The Knowledge About Childhood Autism Among Health Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire and the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism Scale (SATA) were used.Results
66.8% (n = 500) of the participants attended at least one training program on ASD, 16.6% (n = 125) received additional training outside of school courses and internships, and 25.1% (n = 188) participated in the follow-up of patients with ASD. 39.4% (n = 295) of the participants stated that were not confident in managing suspected ASD cases, and 83.7% (n = 626) believed that the opportunities for making clinical observations on ASD as part of the medical school curriculum needed to be increased. Between the students who attended and did not attend examination/follow-up of patients with ASD, and who had and did not have acquaintances with ASD, the total score and all sub-scores of the KCAHW, and of the SATA (p Conclusion
While theoretical knowledge about ASD is essential, practical experience, clinical observations and personal interactions with individuals with ASD significantly improve students' knowledge level, awareness and self-confidence in this field.