International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 6 authors, 3 centres
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This cross-sectional survey assessed autism knowledge among Lebanese adults, finding that while most reported prior awareness, they had low knowledge scores overall and significant misconceptions about causes, diagnosis, and treatment. The main limitation is the non-representative sample, mostly from Mount Lebanon.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a major public health concern, and accurate public knowledge is crucial for early detection and intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the level of ASD knowledge among the Lebanese general population, a setting with high reported prevalence. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design using a self-administered questionnaire. The study population was Lebanese adults, with no specific intervention applied. Key Results: The vast majority of participants (n= not clearly reported) had heard of ASD, but their overall knowledge was low, with a mean proportion of correct answers of 43.1%. Knowledge was highest for symptoms and behaviors but was low for cause, prevalence, diagnosis, outcomes, and treatment. Many participants held myths, such as a vaccine etiology. Social media was the most common source of information. Females and those with a colleague or friend with ASD demonstrated higher knowledge scores. Limitations: The sample was not fully representative, as most participants resided in Mount Lebanon; results may not be generalizable to all of Lebanon. The use of a self-administered questionnaire may affect data quality. Implications: The findings highlight a significant knowledge gap and misconceptions in the Lebanese public. This underscores the need for targeted awareness campaigns and educational strategies to improve public understanding, facilitate early diagnosis, and support effective interventions for individuals with ASD.
