Knowledge mediates attitude in autism spectrum disorders? Data from Malaysia

Abstract

Limited efforts have been made in middle- and low-income countries to raise public awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past ten years. We report data from a general population survey exploring the relationship between awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding autism in Malaysia. A questionnaire consisting of items related to awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding ASD was distributed. The scores of knowledge of ASD and attitude towards ASD were 6.87 (SD = 4.17; with a total possible score of 12) and 6.39 (SD = 2.77; with a total possible score of 9), respectively, indicating that, on average, the participants had moderate levels of knowledge and attitude. Structural equation modeling showed that improving awareness and knowledge about ASD will enhance more positive attitudes towards ASD. Efforts should be geared towards disseminating information about ASD, in order to increase acceptance of the disorder.

RAS ID

36939

Document Type

Journal Article

Date of Publication

2023

Funding Information

Industry Grant (NN-2020-026, first author)

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

Copyright

subscription content

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Identifier

Deborah Hersh

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2466-0225

Comments

Chu, S. Y., Lee, J., Wong, Y. Y., Gan, C. H., Fierro, V., & Hersh, D. (2023). Knowledge mediates attitude in autism spectrum disorders? Data from Malaysia. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 69(4), 568-577.

https://doi.org/10.1080/20473869.2021.1975254

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1080/20473869.2021.1975254