Determinants of autism spectrum disorder in children: A case-control study in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

This study looked at what might cause autism in children by comparing 49 children with autism to 100 children without autism in Indonesia. They found boys were more likely to have autism, and having family members with autism increased risk. Mothers who were anxious during pregnancy had double the risk. However, eating lots of fruit during pregnancy, breastfeeding exclusively, and turning off phones at night seemed to protect against autism.

Breathing vehicle fumes during pregnancy increased risk.

This Indonesian case-control study examined risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 49 children with ASD compared to 100 age-matched controls in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Key findings included significantly higher ASD likelihood in boys and children of mothers with higher education levels. Family history of ASD was a significant risk factor, while maternal anxiety during pregnancy doubled ASD risk. Protective factors identified were frequent fruit consumption during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and turning off cell phones during sleep.

Environmental exposure to vehicle fumes during pregnancy increased ASD risk. The study used logistic regression analysis and highlights the importance of both genetic and environmental factors in ASD development.

Findings suggest multi-factorial ASD etiology involving genetic, environmental, and maternal health factors. Clinical screening should consider family history. Maternal health optimization during pregnancy, including anxiety management and nutritional support, may be beneficial. Environmental exposure reduction during pregnancy warrants consideration in prevention strategies.

Small sample size (49 cases) limits generalizability. Case-control design cannot establish causation. Reliance on maternal questionnaires introduces potential recall bias. Single-center study in specific geographic region may not represent broader populations. Some associations may reflect detection bias rather than true risk factors.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who use the government's service facilities for children with special needs in Pontianak are increasing. This study aims to find out the determinants of ASD in Pontianak. This study investigates the determinants of ASD in children in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, using a case-control design. The study included 49 children diagnosed with ASD and 100 age-matched controls, with data collected through maternal questionnaires.

The risk factors examined included gender, genetic factors, parental age, maternal health during pregnancy, perinatal risk factors, environmental exposures, and maternal habits. Data analysis using logistic regression. The results indicate a significantly higher likelihood of ASD in boys. Higher maternal education levels were also associated with increased ASD risk.

Family history, particularly having siblings or relatives with ASD, emerged as a significant risk factor. Maternal anxiety during pregnancy doubled the risk of ASD, while frequent fruit consumption during pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding were identified as protective factors. Exposure to vehicle fumes during pregnancy increased ASD risk. Turning off cell phones during sleep was also protective.

These findings highlight the need to address both genetic and environmental factors in ASD aetiology. Promoting healthy maternal habits and reducing harmful environmental exposures could potentially reduce ASD risk. Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies to validate these findings and develop targeted interventions.