3/2007The knowledge level on the subject of the autism in the general population

EWA DRABIK-DANIS (Katedra i Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej Akademii Medycznej we Wrocławiu; Kierownik: prof. dr hab. med. Andrzej Steciwko)

Background
The autism is an illness whose etiology has not been found and causal treatment has not been established yet.

Material and methods
The questionnaire form on the knowledge about autism was anonymous. It consisted of fourteen closed questions. It was carried out in February 2007 in Opole district. 100 respondents were included paying special attention on choosing the representative group.

Results
Patients examined were from 17 to 75 years old. 37% of the examined were men, and women 63%. 70% of respondents had secondary education, 25% – vocational and 5% – university education. Only 37% of the examined knew that autism was a disorder of complex and multifactorial etiology. However in opinion of 3% of persons autism generally speaking cannot be called an illness. 6% of asked persons thought that vaccine against measles, rubella and the mumps (MMR) can cause autism. 45% of the respondents thought that parents who lack knowledge are responsible for the difficulties in recognizing autism. 46% polled did not know whether it was possible to prevent autistic disorders.

Key words: knowledge level, autism, general population