Clinical characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders: a cross-sectional study of cases attended at three centers specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Ann. afr. méd. (En ligne)
;
16(4): 5290-5308, 2023. tables, figures
Artículo
en Inglés
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1512231
ABSTRACT
Context and objective. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are poorly studied. The aim of the present study was to describe the socio demographic and clinical characteristics of children with autism and to identify associated factors. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study of children with ASD attended at three specialized centers in Kinshasa. We confirmed a ASD diagnosis through clinical observation using Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders four Text Revision (DSM-VI-TR) criteria and standardized autism diagnostic tools. We analyzed socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and main comorbidities of ASD. The comparison of proportions was done using Pearson's chi-square test. One-way ANOVAs were calculated to test differences in averages. Results. A total of 120 children (72.5 % male) were examined. Their mean age at diagnosis was 7.83 ± 3.4 years, while parents were alerted at 1.8 ±0.78 years. Language delays were the main alert sign (54%) and the main symptom (62%). Social interaction disorders (11.7 %) were underreported by parents. The core signs of ASD were disorders of social interaction (90.5%), behavior (80%) and language (62.5%). The main ASD symptoms were associated with epilepsy(p=0.027), cerebral palsy (p=0.026) and hearing impairment (p=0.045). Conclusion. The diagnostic and language delay co-occurring with epilepsy and hearing impairment are the main clinical features of autism in the DRC. This study suggests that screening children for autism and its main comorbidities using a multidisciplinary approach should be a priority in Kinshasa.
Texto completo
- https://indexmedicus.afro.who.int/iah/fulltext/Clinical characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorders: a cross-sectional study of cases attended at three centers specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).pdf
- https://anafrimed.net/caracteristiques-cliniques-des-enfants-avec-troubles-du-spectre-de-lautisme-une-analyse-transversale-des-cas-soignes-dans-trois-centres-specialises-dans-les-troubles-neurodeveloppe
- https://fi-admin.bvsalud.org/document/view/r5n6b
Texto completo:
Disponible
Índice:
AIM (África)
Asunto principal:
Trastorno Autístico
Idioma:
Inglés
Revista:
Ann. afr. méd. (En ligne)
Año:
2023
Tipo del documento:
Artículo
Institución/País de afiliación:
Department of Neurology, the Neuro-Psycho-Pathological Center/CD
/
Department of Psychiatry, the Neuro-Psycho-Pathological Center/CD
/
Department of Psychiatry, the Neuro-Psycho-Pathological Center, University of Kinshasa/CD
/
Department of Psychology, the National University of Education (UPN)/CD
/
Katholiekeuniversiteit Leuven (KUL)/BE
/
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC)/CA
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