Evaluating general practitioners' knowledge and attitude of autism spectrum disorder and influencing factors at Gondar University Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Ethiopian researchers surveyed 360 doctors to see how much they knew about autism and what their attitudes were. The doctors had moderate knowledge and generally positive attitudes about autism. Male and female doctors had different attitudes. Older doctors and those with more experience tended to have better attitudes. The study shows that doctor training and experience may affect how they view and treat autistic people.

This cross-sectional study examined 360 general practitioners at Gondar University Hospital, Ethiopia, to assess their knowledge and attitudes toward autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Participants had an average age of 31.82 years with 18 years post-graduation experience. Results showed moderate levels of both knowledge (mean score 15.83/20) and attitudes (mean score 29.54/35) toward ASDs. Male practitioners demonstrated significantly different attitudes compared to females (p < 0.001).

Weak but significant correlations were found between attitudes and both age (r = 0.271) and years of practice (r = 0.105). A weak correlation existed between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.004). The study suggests that healthcare provider experience and knowledge levels may influence attitudes toward autism.

Results highlight the need for enhanced autism training in medical education and continuing professional development programs. Gender differences in attitudes suggest tailored training approaches may be beneficial. The positive relationship between experience and attitudes indicates that increased exposure to autism may improve healthcare provider perspectives and potentially quality of care.

Single-site study using convenience sampling limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Self-reported measures may introduce bias. Limited to one hospital in Ethiopia, restricting broader applicability to other healthcare settings or countries.

ASDs are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impaired social interaction, communication challenges, and repetitive behaviors. This study assessed general practitioners' knowledge and attitudes toward ASDs at Gondar University Hospital and explored influencing factors. A cross-sectional study (May 1-June 30, 2023) involved 360 participants selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a 19-item self-administered questionnaire covering socioeconomic characteristics (4 items), knowledge (10 items), and attitude (5 items), adapted from previous studies with some modifications.

The mean age of participants was 31.82 years, with an average of 18 years post-graduation and 16 years of practice. Knowledge and attitude scores averaged 15.83 (SD = 3.265) and 29.54 (SD = 3.206), respectively, indicating moderate levels. Male practitioners exhibited significantly different attitudes from females (p < 0.001). Weak correlations were found between attitudes and age (r = 0.271, p < 0.001) and practice years (r = 0.105, p = 0.046), while no significant correlation existed between knowledge and demographic factors.

A weak but significant correlation was observed between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.004, p < 0.001). General practitioners demonstrated moderate knowledge and attitudes toward ASDs, with attitudes positively linked to experience and knowledge levels.