An Investigation of Nurses' Role in the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication, behavior, and learning in varying degrees (Rahman et al., 2023). Early identification of ASD in children is crucial for implementing timely interventions that can significantly improve developmental outcomes and quality of life (Olaniyan et al., 2024). In most healthcare settings, nurses are often the first point of contact with children and their families, making them critical in identifying early signs of ASD. Nurses, particularly those working in pediatric departments, are tasked with assessing developmental milestones and recognizing potential delays or abnormalities in behavior that could indicate ASD (Chung et al., 2024). At Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), nurses are involved in the initial assessments of children but may not always have sufficient training or resources to accurately identify early signs of ASD. Several studies have indicated that healthcare professionals, including nurses, may have limited knowledge and training in ASD detection, which hampers early diagnosis and intervention (Makinde et al., 2023). Therefore, understanding the role of nurses in identifying ASD in children, their level of preparedness, and the challenges they face is essential for improving the early detection and management of this condition.
Statement of the Problem
The early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children is often delayed, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention that can drastically improve developmental outcomes. Nurses, particularly in pediatric care settings, play a crucial role in recognizing early signs of ASD. However, despite their significant role in early childhood development and health surveillance, nurses may lack adequate training and knowledge on how to detect the early signs of ASD. At Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where a considerable number of pediatric patients are treated, the detection of ASD is largely left to specialized healthcare providers. There is a lack of comprehensive studies on the specific role of nurses in early ASD detection, their preparedness, and their response to children exhibiting early developmental concerns. This research aims to fill this gap by investigating how nurses at LASUTH contribute to early ASD detection and the challenges they face in performing this task effectively.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the level of awareness and knowledge of nurses regarding the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
- To investigate the role of nurses in the early detection of ASD in children and the barriers they face in performing this role effectively.
- To evaluate the training programs and resources available to nurses at LASUTH in enhancing their ability to detect and manage ASD.
Research Questions
- What is the level of knowledge of nurses at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) regarding the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of nurses in the early detection of ASD at LASUTH?
- What are the challenges faced by nurses in the early detection of ASD in children at LASUTH?
Research Hypotheses
- Nurses at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) have insufficient knowledge about the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children.
- There is a significant relationship between the level of training provided to nurses at LASUTH and their ability to detect early signs of ASD.
- Nurses face significant barriers, including limited resources and lack of specialized training, in performing early detection of ASD in children at LASUTH.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to nurses working at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) who are involved in pediatric care. The study will focus on nurses' knowledge, roles, and challenges in the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children. One limitation of the study is the possibility of bias in self-reported data regarding nurses' roles and experiences. Another limitation is the limited generalizability of the findings to other healthcare institutions, as the study will be conducted at a single hospital in Lagos.
Definitions of Terms
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by challenges in communication, social interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviors (Rahman et al., 2023).
- Early Detection: The process of identifying early signs of a condition, such as ASD, before full symptoms manifest, allowing for early intervention (Olaniyan et al., 2024).
- Nurses' Role: The responsibilities and functions performed by nurses, including observing, assessing, and providing care to patients, in this case, children at risk of ASD.
- Pediatric Care: Medical care focused on the treatment and development of children from infancy through adolescence (Chung et al., 2024).
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