Epidemiological investigation of suspected autism in children and implications for healthcare system: a mainstream kindergarten-based population study in Longhua District, Shenzhen

BMC Pediatrics

Research Article

Guoming Wen¹  Weikang Yang¹  Hui Xia²  Xiaoyuan Fu³  Haitao Li³  Junqiang Lu³  Li Liu⁴ 

[1] Center for Maternal and Child Healthcare of Longhua District, Shenzhen, China;Health Education Institute of Longhua District, Shenzhen, China;Health Inspection Institute of Longhua District, Shenzhen, China;School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Nanhai Ave 3688, Shenzhen, Guangdong, PR China;School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China;

关键词: Autism spectrum disorder;    Developmental disorder;    Prevalence;    Risk factors;    China;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12887-015-0531-4

 received in 2015-06-18, accepted in 2015-12-09,  发布年份 2015

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundIndividuals with autism put a heavy demand on medical services, and prevalence estimates are needed for the planning of such services. Screening for autism in children has important implications for individuals and policy makers. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of suspected autism in children in Longhua District, Shenzhen, and to investigate risk factors for autism.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Longhua District, Shenzhen in October 2014. A total of 141 kindergartens were approached and consented to participate in the current study. All children who met the inclusion criteria were screened for autism by using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC).Results15,200 children in total completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. 2.6 % (95 % CI 2.3-2.9) respondents had a high probability of autism, while 4.0 % (95 % CI 3.7-4.3) respondents had questionable autism. Male children were more likely to develop autism when compared with their female counterparts (P < 0.001). Children of mothers with a lower education level and younger age tended to develop autism (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study shows a high prevalence rate of suspected autism in children which suggests an urgent need of early detection of autism with ABC across the Shenzhen city, or even around China. Further studies with diagnostic procedure are warranted. Maternal age and education level, and gender of children are possible factors related to autism.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Yang et al. 2015