Determining the status of social determinants of family health in children with autism spectrum disorder in East Azarbaijan province

Abstract

Abstract Introduction and objective: Autism spectrum disorders are defined as disorders characterized by neurodevelopmental disorders. This study aimed to determine the social node to determine the health of families of children with autism spectrum disorder is conducted in East Azerbaijan province. Method: This is a cross sectional study that was done in 2019. Four private centers in Tabriz city and a private center in AjabShir affiliated to welfare organization, a university-affiliated governmental center and autism school. Sample size was estimated 112 persons. A standard questionnaire for social determinants of family health of children with autism spectrum disorder (including three parts of demographic information, behavioral and social determinants) was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using descriptive and analytical statistics and using SPSS-19 software. Findings: Based on the study findings 81.3% of the studied children were males and 54.4% had social security insurance. According to the diagnostic information, 99.1% of children had autism disorder, and in terms of limited and repetitive behaviors 47.3% of children needs limited support. Most children had no verbal problem (67%). The highest stress was imposed on the families of children with autism spectrum disorders due to social health factors, including parents' mental health concerns (99.1%), lack of needed services (97.3%) and affordable services (93.8%). The least stress was the perceived due to fear of physical violence at home (59%). No significant relationship was found between social determinants of health with verbal problems and levels of restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Conclusion: The status of social determinants of health in the family of children with autism disorder is in an undesirable level. This situation impose high high level of anxiety and costs on families, and thus is a serious threat to improve the situation of children with autism spectrum.