Ante-, Peri-, and Neonatal Factors Associated with Autism  Spectrum Disorders in Vietnam: A Population-Based  Cross-Sectional Survey

Le Thi  Vui; Duong Minh  Duc; Chu Thi Thuy  Quynh; Duong Kim Tuan; Nguyen Mai  Huong; Nguyen Thi Minh  Thanh; Hoang Van  Minh; Bui Thi Thu Ha

doi:10.18502/ijph.v52i5.12711

Le Thi Vui Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi ,Vietnam
Duong Minh Duc Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi ,Vietnam
Chu Thi Thuy Quynh Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi ,Vietnam
Duong Kim Tuan Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
Nguyen Mai Huong Department of Psychiatry, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Minh Thanh Department of Research Management and Cooperation, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoang Van Minh Department of Health Policy and Economics, Health Management Training Institute, Hanoi University of Public Health, Ha-noi, Vietnam
Bui Thi Thu Ha Department of Population and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi ,Vietnam

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i5.12711

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Population-based survey; Vietnam

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are common behavioral syndromes but limited critical evidence in Vietnam. This study aimed to identify ante-, peri- and neonatal factors for ASDs amongst children in Vietnam.

Methods: This population-based study applied the cross-sectional design with a multistage sampling in 21 urban and rural districts in seven cities/provinces in Vietnam during 2017-2018. Overall, 42,551 children age 18 to 30 months were enrolled in the study. Two phases of assessment using Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) for screening and diagnostic assessment using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for confirmation. We employed univariate and binary logistic regression to identify.

Results: Our study showed a fast-growing trend of ASDs amongst children age 18 and 30 months (75.8 per 10,000 individuals). Nine ante-, peri-, and neonatal factors were associated with ASDs: five factors of antenatal period (history of miscarriage/abortion or stillbirth, children conceived by assisted reproduction technologies, having cold, flu or acquiring virus during pregnancy, having gestational diabetes, toxemia, high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, and having stress or mental disorders during pregnancy); one factors of perinatal period (mode of delivery); and three factors of neonatal period (jaundice, respiratory distress, and newborn seizures)

Conclusion: This first large-scale survey in Vietnam confirms some prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors with ASDs amongst children age 18 and 30 months. Future interventions should focus on these factors to early diagnosis and intervention to improve functional outcomes for risky children.