Social determinants of health of children with autism spectrum disorders in East-Azerbaijan province

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of disorders that are classified under neurodevelopmental disorders and their main feature is a defect in socio-communication abilities and a limited range of interests and behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the status of social determinants of health among the families of children with ASD in East Azerbaijan province. 

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2018. The sample size was estimated 112 individuals. The standard questionnaire of social determinants of health was used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistics and SPSS software version 19. Statistical analyzes included descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage for qualitative indicators; mean and standard deviation for quantitative indicators). Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between qualitative variables and social determinants of health. SPSS19 software was used for data analysis and the significance level of the results was considered 0.05.

Results of this study showed that the most stress imposed on the families of children with autism spectrum disorders caused by social health factors including 99.1% of parents' mental health concerns, 97.3% of not receiving the required services, 93.8% of affordable care services, and The lowest stress including anxiety from physical violence at home was estimated at 59%. There is a significant relationship between social determinants of health and demographic information of children in cases such as stress due to lack of insurance and the condition of the child's mother in terms of survival.

The status of social determinants of health of families of children with ASD is at an unfavorable level, which leads to anxiety in families, imposes exorbitant costs on them, and as a result, a serious threat to improving the situation of children with ASD.