Abstract:
Background: Early interventions are important for improving outcome in autism. However, the diagnosis of
autism is often delayed for 3–4 years, which leads to missed opportunities to initiate early intensive behavioural
interventions, thus jeopardizing its prognosis. The lack of knowledge among healthcare workers about the
features of autism is postulated to be the main reason for this delay.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among the PHMs in the Colombo and Kalutara
districts of the Western Province, Sri Lanka. A specifically designed self-administered questionnaire was used to
obtain information about the socio-demographic details. The knowledge about the signs and symptoms and
common comorbidities of ASD were assessed using the "Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health
Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire".
Results: Out of 406 participants, 56.9 % (n = 231) were from the Colombo District. The mean knowledge of the
participants on the “Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers (KCAHW) Questionnaire” was
13.23/19 (SD = 2.647). The knowledge was significantly higher in those who had participated in training
programmes on autism (p < 0.01) and in those who have had contact with a child with autism (p < 0.05). Of the
participants, 17.2 % (n = 70) believed that autism could be completely cured. 43.6 % and 42.2 % believed that
poor attention from parents and parental conflicts during pregnancy and early childhood caused autism in
children respectively.
Conclusion: The knowledge of PHMs on autism is inadequate, with regard to the comorbidities, aetiology and
treatment options. In service programmes are useful in improving the knowledge of PHMs on autism.
