# Evaluation of autism awareness and knowledge levels among Syrian migrants living in Türkiye

## TL;DR

This study assesses autism awareness among Syrian migrants in Türkiye, finding that factors like residence and income affect their knowledge levels.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into autism awareness among Syrian migrants, highlighting demographic influences on knowledge levels.

## Key findings

- Residence, income, and family status significantly affect autism knowledge levels among Syrian migrants.
- The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to improve autism awareness in this population.
- Early diagnosis importance is recognized, urging increased awareness among migrants facing traumatic experiences.

## Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the autism knowledge level and awareness of individuals over the age of 18 who applied to immigrant health centers in Istanbul, Gaziantep and Kilis, where the Syrian immigrant population is dense. This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and April 2023 in 896 immigrants. The sample of the research consists of immigrants residing in Türkiye and who applied to the immigrant health centers in Istanbul, Gaziantep and Kilis for any reason at the time of the research. A questionnaire consisting of three parts was applied to the immigrant people face-to-face. While 38.4% of the participants were female, 61.6% were male. The mean age of the participants is 34.63 ± 10.74. It was determined that people’s place of residence, whether they have children, marital status and income status have significant effects on autism knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Since the importance of early diagnosis in autism is known, it is of great importance for people to have knowledge and awareness on this issue. This study will investigate the awareness of the immigrant population, who are faced with traumatic events such as war and migration, and will shed light on future intervention studies.