Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Among Pregnant Women in Resource-Limited Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are at risk for developmental, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pregnant women toward NDDs and to identify factors associated with this.

METHODS

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The level of knowledge, attitudes, and perception of pregnant women toward NDDs was assessed using the knowledge, attitudes, and perception domain questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine significant factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of NDDs among pregnant women. The association between variables was assessed using the adjusted unstandardized (β) coefficient with a 95% confidence interval, and variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant factors associated with the outcome variables.

RESULTS

A total of 404 pregnant women participated. The mean knowledge, attitude, and perception scores were 18.76 ± 3.74, 13.62 ± 4.08, and 26.14 ± 3.07, respectively. When converted to percentages of the maximum possible scores, these corresponded to 43.6%, 38.5%, and 72.8%, respectively, indicating inadequate knowledge, poor attitudes, and good perception toward neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Lower educational status and a history of substance use were significantly associated with a lower knowledge scores regarding NDDs, whereas good social support was associated with higher knowledge scores. Having a diploma or higher educational status and strong social support were positively associated with favorable attitudes and perceptions. Additionally, a family history of psychiatric illness was associated with less favorable attitudes toward NDDs.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a positive perception toward NDDs but reveals significant gaps in knowledge and attitudes, especially among women with limited education and psychosocial vulnerability. Maternal education at the diploma level and higher and strong social support are positively associated with favourable attitudes and perceptions toward NDDs. A history of psychiatric illness was a factor associated with poor attitudes and perceptions regarding NDDs. Therefore, boost community education and reliable health information access; integrate NDD education into routine antenatal care; enhance social support, such as partners and target interventions for women with substance use or psychiatric history.