Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice toward down syndrome in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia 2016

ABSTRACT

Background: Down syndrome [DS] is a chromosomal disorder that results in intellectual disability and growth problems. The worldwide incidence of this syndrome is 1 in 1000 births and increases exponentially with the maternal age. People with DS usually have reduced life expectancy and suffer from mental retardation, heart problems, Alzheimer's disease among other complications. However, the severity of the disease differs from patient to patient. Perceptions of the disease and the public attitudes towards people with Down syndrome are very important in the inclusion of these people in the community and the supporting families