Research of knowledge levels of physicians and nurses working ateskisehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty Hospital on autism spectrumdisorder

disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social- communification deficits and repetitive sensory-motor behaviours. It is an important health care problem due to increased seen recent years. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly affect the prognosis of the disease. Physicians and nurses play a key role in early diagnosis and treatment. The study is a cross-sectional type study conducted with the participation of 129 physicians and 129 nurses working at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Health Practice and Research Hospital between 01.05.2022 and 01.07.2022. The questionnaire form used to collect data consists of sociodemographic characteristics, Autism Information and Awareness questionnaire. In the study, it was determined that the physicians had a higher level of knowledge than the nurses. It was observed that previous trainings on autism increased the level of autism knowledge and awareness. The lower mean age of the physicians was found to be significant with the increase in the level of knowledge. In our study, the lower knowledge level of nurses compared to physicians can be supported by trainings. Considering that young physicians have easier access to up-to-date information, updates on autism to be made periodically to all physicians may contribute to the increase in the level of knowledge. Key Words: Autism, Level of knowledge, Awareness