Melda DİBEK, Seçil Asrav ŞENTOSUN, Ayfer GEMALMAZ
Türkiye Aile Hekimliği Dergisi - 2026;30(2):73-85
Objective: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the second most common developmental disability after intellectual disability. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of ASD risk in children aged 18-36 months admitted to Family Health Centers (FHCs) in Aydın city center, considering the role of FHCs as the first point of contact, and to identify the factors increasing ASD risk. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study. Assuming 1% prevalence based on DSM-5 data and a sampling error of 0.05, the sampling size of the study planned with a descriptive cross-sectional design was calculated as 392 using the G*Power program. 431 participants were targeted with a 10% margin of error. The data collection form prepared through a literature review and the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) scale were administered to all participants who applied to the 8 FHCs (6 urban and 2 rural) selected through cluster sampling method and agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive analyses for non-categorical variables and chi-square analyses for categorical variables were used. p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Additionally, in order to eliminate its confounding effect, logistic regression analysis was applied to all variables considered to be associated with ASD. Results: In the sampling with a mean age of 27.5+/-6.5 months, ASD risk was found to be 5.8%, and ASD diagnosis prevalence was found to be 0.92%. Sociodemographic features, such as male gender, having a low-income family, maternal use of medication during pregnancy, low birth weight, being born before 35th week of gestation and not being vaccinated in accordance with the vaccination calendar were found statistically significant associated risk factors for ASD. Conclusion: Continuous follow-up is crucial for individuals identified as being at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but who do not yet meet the diagnostic criteria. Given the role of early diagnosis in treatment, raising awareness of ASD is a priority in the fight against autism. Furthermore, more research is needed to assess the knowledge levels of both healthcare personnel working at Family Health Centers (often the first point of contact for children aged 18-36 months) and families with children under 36 months.
