Journal of Psychiatry

Prevalence, trend, determinants and prediction of autism spectrum disorders among Dubai population, diagnostic approach and management contexts

Joint Event on World Congress on Psychiatry & Psychological Syndromes & 29^th International Conference on Adolescent Medicine and Child Psychology

December 06-07, 2018 | Rome, Italy

Hamid Yahya Hessian, Kadim Al Abbady and Mohamed Wasif Alaam

Dubai Health Authority, UAE

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a public health concern in Dubai and autism is the most common of the pervasive developmental disorders in Dubai. Autism poses a particularly large public health challenge and an inspiring lifelong challenge for many families; it is a lifelong challenge of a different nature, it is a spectrum of neurodevelopment disorder which often results in an array of motor impairments. These motor impairments often lead to reduced performance in activities of daily living as well as in societal tasks which require specific motor abilities and skills. Objectives: The objective is to study the prevalences, determinants and prediction of autism among Dubai population and to study some associated factors. Methodology: Retrospective records review approach has been applied, qualitative methodology (focus groups with mental health experts working at: Al Jalila hospital (AJH), Dubai Autism Centre (DAC), Dubai Rehabilitation Centre for Disabilities, Latifa Hospital, Private Sector Healthcare (PSH)). Quantitative methodology through, prevalence, incidence estimates based on international research (a systematic research review) along with expert interviews has been applied as well. Results: The study showed that 84.9% of the cases were males and 51.9% of the autism cases were females, 30.9% were UAE nationals and 69.1% were expatriate, about 72.4% were diagnosed as autism spectrum disorders, 9.2% as ASD features and 9.2% were diagnosed as other disorders when autism diagnostic test applied; and Dubai Autism Centre estimates it affects 1 in 146 births (0.68%). By applying these estimates to the total number of births in Dubai for 2014, it is predicted there would be approximately 199 children (of which 58, (29.1%) were nationals and 141, (70.9%) were non???nationals) suffering from autism at some stage. About 16.4% of children seek help for ASD assessment (through their families) between the age group 6???18+. It is critical to understand and address factors for seeking late stage diagnosis, as ASD can be diagnosed much earlier and how many of these later presenters are actually diagnosed with ASD. Families do not consult GPs for early diagnosis for a variety of reasons including cultural reasons. The study reflected future prediction of the cases based on international standards prevalence and the population density as reflected by which reflected the highest prevalence at the age intervals of 25-29 years, 30-34 years and 35-39 years respectively. Conclusion: Autism is still ongoing challenging public health issue in Dubai, in terms of rising up prevalence, incidences, trends, cases sorting out and management context of autism is one of actual national health care system gaps. Recommendation: Effective school health strategies is needed and implemented by nurses who are qualified and experienced in identifying children with ASD. Training of GP???s to aid early diagnosis of autism and increase awareness. There is an urgent need for an adult autism centre for when the children leave the safe environment of the school at 18 years. There is a need for further studies to cover the needs of people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Biography :

Hamid Yahya Hessian enrolled with different international organization, UNICEIF, WHO, ICRC, IOM and others as programs manager and expert. He worked as environmental expert ant ministry of environment, Iraq and worked as training consultant, researcher, and programs manager at ministries of health and higher education and scientific research in different Middle East and North Africa region He is a member of editorial Board 26 international medical journals worldwide and member of 33 international association e.g. APHA, IEA, MENAPF, EMAME, American college of occupational and environmental medicine, American college of Epidemiology , American academy of family medicine, Canadian College of family physician Qualified with PhD family and community medicine, FFPH-UK, MFPH-UK, FRCPSG-Glasgow, DIPRespire Edge Hills UK, MFMLM-UK Cardiology Fellowship Japan, Obesity Medicine fellowship –London Supervised more than (30) PhD thesis, 25 MSc thesis, and published 200 article worldwide cited more than 150 times. He contribute as authors to CDC textbook on Ethics in Public Health, cases spanning around the Globe.

E-mail: hussainh569@gmail.com