Table 2 Distribution of physicians’ responses to several statements used for assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices of physicians in Romania about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and information about the five sub-scores and the total score representing physicians’ knowledge about ASD in Romania identified based on Factor Analysis applied to physicians’ responses (N= 383)
Questions or statements *† | Statement is True (T) or False (F) | Frequency of physicians N (%**) | Latent characteristics of variables involved in the Factor and Factor-like sub-score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Agree | Disagree | |||
1. Children with autism are often detached from their family and peers. a | T | 280 (73.1) | 96 (25.1) | Factor 1: Physicians’ knowledge of stigma related to ASD Sub-score 1 = Q10 + Q11 + Q12 |
2. Autism is a possible result of neglect by the parents. b | F | 160 (41.8) | 217 (56.7) | |
3. Autism is a precursor for schizophrenia. a | F | 175 (45.7) | 201 (52.5) | |
4. It is often difficult to distinguish between autism and schizophrenia. c | F | 215 (56.1) | 160 (41.8) | Factor 2: Physicians’ knowledge of potential cause (s) of ASD Sub-score 2 = Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5 |
5. Autism is more prevalent in higher socioeconomic classes. c | F | 191 (49.9) | 184 (48) | |
6. Children with autism are not affectionate. b | T | 179 (46.7) | 198 (51.7) | |
7. Children can grow out of autism. b | F | 353 (92.2) | 24 (6.3) | Factor 3: Physicians’ knowledge of the behavior of children with ASD Sub-score 3 = Q1 + Q6 |
8. Children with autism require special education. d | T | 361 (94.3) | 18 (4.7) | |
10. There is a stigma against autism in my community. e | T | 191 (49.9) | 188 (49.1) | Factor 4: Physicians’ knowledge of misconceptions about ASD Sub-score 4 = Q7 + Q14 |
11. Diagnosing a child with autism will lead to discrimination against this child and his/her family. ͩ | T | 239 (62.4) | 137 (35.8) | |
12. In general, there is a negative opinion toward children diagnosed with autism. a | T | 189 (49.4) | 189 (49.4) | |
14. Autism is preventable e | F | 160 (41.8) | 217 (56.7) | Factor 5: Physicians’ knowledge of educational needs related to ASD Sub-score 5 = Q8 |
Total score based on the 12 questions used in Factor Analysis | Total score = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5 + Q6+ Q7+ Q8+ Q10 + Q11+ Q12+ Q14 | |||