Knowledge of pharmacy students about autism spectrum disorder in Brazil.

This study looked at what pharmacy students in Brazil know about autism. The researchers surveyed 397 students and found that almost all of them had good knowledge about autism causes, symptoms, and treatments. Students also didn't show negative attitudes toward people with autism. Those who had a family member with autism knew even more about treatments and symptoms. This is good news for autism families, as it suggests future pharmacists will be well-informed about autism.

A cross-sectional study of 397 Brazilian pharmacy students examined their knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the validated ASK-Q Brazil questionnaire. The study found that almost all participants demonstrated adequate knowledge across key domains: etiology (99.0%), diagnosis/symptoms (97.0%), and treatment (98.7%), with no endorsement of ASD stigma (100.0%). Students with family members with ASD showed significantly higher knowledge in treatment and diagnosis/symptoms domains. This research represents the first assessment of ASD knowledge among pharmacy students in Brazil, suggesting generally positive understanding among future pharmaceutical professionals.

Results suggest Brazilian pharmacy education is effectively preparing students regarding ASD knowledge. However, translation of knowledge into practical clinical skills needs verification. Findings support continued education initiatives and may inform curriculum development for pharmacy programs globally.

Single cross-sectional design limits ability to assess knowledge changes over time. Self-reported data may be subject to social desirability bias. Limited to Brazilian context. No comparison with actual clinical competencies or real-world application of knowledge.

Pharmacy students' and pharmacists' limited knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can have negative impacts on health care for these individuals. In Brazil, no studies have assessed ASD knowledge among Pharmacy students. This study aims to assess the ASD knowledge among Pharmacy students in Brazil. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Pharmacy students in Brazil from September 2021 to August 2022.

Participants answered online questions about sociodemographic data, contact with people with ASD, and the Brazilian validated version of the Autism Stigma Knowledge - Questionnaire (ASK-Q Brazil), a 49-item questionnaire that assesses ASD knowledge and stigma. Descriptive statistics and the T test were used. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (Opinion No. 4,464,411). Of the 397 students who participated, most demonstrated adequate knowledge and did not endorse ASD stigma: etiology (99.0%), diagnosis/symptoms (97.0%), treatment (98.7%), and lack of stigma endorsement (100.0%).

Those who had a family member with ASD had the highest correct answers in the treatment (p = 0.001; d = 0.45) and diagnosis/symptoms (p = 0.015; d = 0.24) domains. This study showed that almost all students have adequate knowledge about ASD and do not endorse stigma. The results can contribute to the definition of strategies to improve the qualification of future pharmaceutical professionals.