This Research is one of those cases where I believe the knowledge for autism or autism spectrum disorder was not fully taught to people. Reading this article makes me realize that people must know about autism that they might have a better understanding of children with autism or autism spectrum disorder and might be of help to them. Just like this article was saying, other countries may also not have enough knowledge and needs to further their research for autism.
In this study, researchers wish to provide solid findings about spectrum disorders (ASDs) in sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) since it is not well known. Researchers use the following methods for this study:
First is the search strategy where they use the following databases: Medline, PycInfo, CINAHL, and Child Development and Adolescent Studies, through EBSCO. Search terms used: “Autism” or “Autistic” or “Pervasive” and Africa. Database search was restricted to peer-reviewed articles and excluded dissertations.
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Second is the criteria for inclusion and Exclusion, the researchers set out the following inclusion criteria: The study must be empirical study on ASD conducted among humans. ASD must be the main condition of the study. The populations need to be from SSA and the study needs to be carried out in SSA.
Third is the data extraction and analysis, one data extraction sheet was used to summarize the data in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (version 2013) on the general characteristics of the studies and their key findings.
The results of this study indicate that there is a very limited data from Africa compared to other parts of the world. They researchers identified only a single population level study aimed at documenting the prevalence of ASD in Africa. Researchers couldn’t identify a single case- control study aimed at examining a comprehensive set of potential risk factors in Africa. Lastly findings suggest that current evidence is too scanty to provide the required information to plan adequately for effective intervention strategies for children with ASD in SSA.
The researchers conducted this study because they felt the need to update and synthesize the most recent empirical evidence to identify research gaps and potential points of interventions. Researchers believe that having a clearer understanding of the current direction of ASD research in Africa, identifying where in Africa ASD research is emanating as well as the key findings from ASD research in African region will help the people. They hope that this systematic review will avail relevant evidence to support and guide research, intervention, and policy on ASD, especially in the SSA region.
My conclusion about the article is knowledge will always be the key to solve the problem. Not just solving a problem but to understand some important topics that people should know. People with understanding always find a problem as a door to an opportunity to progress, improve, and create a better society.
References
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of PublicHealth, PwaniUniversity, Kilifi, Kenya
