[Cross-sectional survey of autism spectrum disorders in children aged 0-6 years in Hainan province].

Objective

To understand the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children aged 0-6 years old and influencing factors in Hainan province.

Methods

A total of 37 862 children aged 0-6 years were selected from 18 counties in Hainan province for a screening by using questionnaire of"warning signs in child development", then field diagnosis was made, and general descriptive statistic analysis was conducted. The prevalence of ASD and related factors were analyzed with χ(2) test and unconditional logistic regression model.

Results

Among 37 862 children aged 0-6 years, 235 were diagnosed with ASD, the prevalence of ASD was 0.62% (0.99% in boys, 0.17% in girls), the differences was significant (χ(2)=101.91, P=0.000). The prevalence of ASD increased with age (χ(2)=288.62, P=0.000). The prevalence of ASD was significantly higher in urban area than in other areas (χ(2)=114.77, P=0.000). Factors such as full term pregnancy or not, neonatal asphyxia, father's characteristics, father's habit of chewing areca or smoking, mother's general mood, and mother's induced abortion history were the influencing factors for ASD.

Conclusion

The prevalence of ASD in children aged 0-6 years was high in Hainan and was influenced by genetic factors, pregnancy and delivery process, parents unhealthy habit before and during pregnancy and other factors.