Exploring knowledge of autism, its causes and treatment among immigrant and non-immigrant parents in Somalia/Somaliland - Abstract

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Study examines Somali parents’ knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their perceptions regarding causes and treatment in Somalia/Somaliland. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 22 parents of children with autism living in Mogadishu and Hargeisa, with thematic analysis applied to the data. Results show most parents believe autism is caused by the measles vaccine, while parents sought diagnosis and care outside Somalia due to limited local provider experience. Findings also indicate public lack of knowledge, stigma, and discrimination. Conclusions emphasize public education, stigma-eliminating campaigns, and policy actions addressing vaccine hesitancy by distinguishing symptom onset timing from measles vaccination.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Study aim

Methods

Participants and interviews

Analysis approach

Results

Beliefs about causes

Care-seeking outside Somalia

Knowledge gaps, stigma, discrimination

Conclusions

Public education and stigma reduction

Policy steps for vaccine hesitancy

vi118 European Journal of Public Health, Vol. 35, Supplement 6, 2025 Abstract citation ID: ckaf180 .327 24 Exploring knowledge of autism, its causes and treatment among immigrant and non-immigrant parents in Somalia\Somaliland Hodan Duale1 1Somali Institute For Health Research, Hargeisa, Somalia EP1.4, e-Poster Terminal 1, September 4, 2025, 11:35-13:00 Background: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has increased over the recent years; however, little is known about the experience of parents of children with autism in Africa such as Somalia. The aim of this study is to understand the knowledge on autism of Somali parents of children with autism and their perceptions of causes and treatment of ASD. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study involving 22 parents of children with autism who lived in Mogadishu and Hargeisa: the two largest cities in Somalia. In-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Of the 22 participants, 9 were returned immigrants and 13 were local people (non-immigrants) . Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The data revealed that most of the parents hold the belief that their children’s autism was caused by the measles vaccine. The findings demonstrated that parents sought diagnosis and treatment care from outside Somalia due to the lack of experience of health providers in the diagnosis and treatment of autism. The data also revealed a lack of knowledge about autism among the public with resultant stigma and discrimination against children with autism and their families. Conclusions: Efforts to increase public knowledge on autism, its causes and treatments are of paramount importance, while a public health campaign designed to eliminate the stigma subjected to children with autism is necessary to improve the quality of life of children with autism and their caregivers. Finally, to counteract vaccine hesitancy, particularly in response to the measles vaccine, health policy makers should take steps to separate the cooccurrence of the onset of autism symptoms and the provision of the measles vaccine.

FAQs

What was the study aim regarding autism in Somalia/Somaliland?

To understand Somali parents’ knowledge of autism in children with ASD and their perceptions of ASD causes and treatment.

How was the qualitative study conducted and analyzed?

The study involved in-depth interviews with 22 parents of children with autism in Mogadishu and Hargeisa, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

What did the results show about parents’ beliefs and support needs?

Most parents believed children’s autism was caused by the measles vaccine and sought diagnosis and treatment care outside Somalia due to limited local health provider experience.

What recommendations were made in the conclusions?

Increase public knowledge, implement campaigns to eliminate stigma, and separate the timing of autism symptom onset from measles vaccination to counter vaccine hesitancy.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel