Assessment of The Knowledge of Pediatric Nurses in Childhood Autism In Riyadh, KSA using KCAHW Questionnaire

Background: Autism is a global disorder which is markedly increasing in recent decades, so researchers speak of “epidemic outbreak” of the disease. Although the diagnostic framework has been expanded and more disorders now fall within the autistic spectrum still no one disputes the increased incidence of autism in modern societies, thus making it a major global public health problem.Poor knowledge about childhood autism among paediatric nurses who are members of multidisciplinary teams who care for these children may be a major barrier to early interventions that could perhaps improve theirquality of life and prognosis. Moreover, several factors that influence knowledge about childhood autism among these nurses are up till now must be fully ascertained. Objectives: This study assessedthe knowledge of paediatric nurses in Riyadh, KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) on childhood autism. The study also determined the differences in knowledge with the socio-demographic and experience profile of the samples. Moreover, knowledge difference between nurses exposed and those not exposed to autism disorder was also explored. Methods: A total of 125 pediatric nurses participatedas samples from all inpatient pediatric units in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Riyadh KSA. A Knowledge of Childhood Autism among Healthcare Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire with socio-demographic profile was utilized in the data gathering process. Results: Findings revealed that the overall knowledge score among pediatric nursesabout childhood autism was (11.11± 3.82) which is regarded as good. The mean scores for Domain (1),(2),(3), and (4)were (6.07±2.20), (0.68 ±0.47), (2.58 ±1.30), (1.78 ±1.02) respectively.Furthermore, there are no significant differences on the knowledge in childhood autism with age, nationality, educational level, experience in KSA, experience in current position, and current working area (p> 0.05). However, there is a significant differenceon the overall knowledge in relation to gender and those pediatric nurses with experiences, either frequent or sporadic, caring for autistic children than those without exposure(p< 0.05). Conclusion: The study reveals that there are insufficienciesin the pediatric nurses’ knowledge about childhood autism of those who are not exposed to this cases. Pediatric nurses, as members of multidisciplinary teams who care for children with autism, are expected to provide holistic care and adequate counseling to the families of these children. Their theoretical foundations when combined with experiential learning in their clinical practice can advance the knowledge of pediatric nurses on the early detection and management of autism in children. Recommendation: Continuing nursing education and exposure is highly recommendedamongpediatric nurses is therefore essential which may be accomplished through postgraduate education, seminars and workshops and trainings in the actual settings. These activities will enhance pediatric nurses’ knowledge and concurrently their skills on the early detection and appropriate nursing management for childhood autism.