Prevalence and Risk Factors of Autism in the United States.

Authors' Affiliations

Oluseyi Adedeji Aderinwale, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Yan Cao, Center for Nursing Research, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Sheryl Strasser, Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Science, Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA. Fatmata Bintu Koroma, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Ibrahim Boateng, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. Oluwayemisi Elizabeth Ayo-Bali, 5Department of Computing, College of Business and Technology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Location

D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Start Date

4-5-2024 9:00 AM

End Date

4-5-2024 11:30 AM

Poster Number

89

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Shimin Zheng

Faculty Sponsor's Department

Biostatistics and Epidemiology

Classification of First Author

Graduate Student-Master’s

Competition Type

Competitive

Type

Poster Presentation

Presentation Category

Health

Abstract or Artist's Statement

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by enduring difficulties in behavior, cognition, and social communication. Its prevalence varies worldwide, with males being diagnosed more frequently than females. The impact of autism extends beyond the individual, affecting family dynamics, educational systems, and public perceptions. In the United States of America, 2.8% of children aged 3-8 years have autism, with fourfold higher incidence among males. Factors such as race, sex, and extreme prematurity have been associated with autism. Given that over 54% of children with autism have intellectual disabilities, and the complex inheritance pattern of the disease, exploring other determinants are crucial due to its significant impacts on individuals, family, and society. Methods: This analysis used the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2022 data, including 54,103 children aged 0-17 years. Descriptive statistics was carried out, associated determinants were established, and logistic regression was utilized to calculate odds ratios (OR), with autism as the dependent variable, adjusting for various factors. Results: The odds of autism among males were 3 times higher than in females. Children living at 0-99% of federal poverty level had 59% higher odds of autism compared to those at 400% or greater of federal poverty level. Children reporting fair or poor health demonstrated 10 times odds of autism than those with excellent health. Children with unmarried parents had 31% higher odds of autism than those with married parents, while children of unemployed parents had 64% higher odds than those with employed parents. Children with genetic or inherited conditions exhibited 5.38 odds of autism than those without such conditions. The odds of autism among children with low birth weight were 68% higher than in children with normal birth weight. Additionally, for every one event of adverse childhood experience, the odds of autism increased by 26%. Conclusion: The observed higher incidence of autism in males compared to females aligns with previous research findings. This study highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to address autism, recognizing the interaction of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors in its development. Further research into the complex relationships between these characteristics is needed. With this information, support groups, policymakers, and healthcare professionals can collaboratively develop targeted intervention programs aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of these risk factors and improving the lives of individuals affected by autism.

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Apr 5th, 9:00 AM Apr 5th, 11:30 AM

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Autism in the United States.

D.P. Culp Center Ballroom

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by enduring difficulties in behavior, cognition, and social communication. Its prevalence varies worldwide, with males being diagnosed more frequently than females. The impact of autism extends beyond the individual, affecting family dynamics, educational systems, and public perceptions. In the United States of America, 2.8% of children aged 3-8 years have autism, with fourfold higher incidence among males. Factors such as race, sex, and extreme prematurity have been associated with autism. Given that over 54% of children with autism have intellectual disabilities, and the complex inheritance pattern of the disease, exploring other determinants are crucial due to its significant impacts on individuals, family, and society. Methods: This analysis used the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2022 data, including 54,103 children aged 0-17 years. Descriptive statistics was carried out, associated determinants were established, and logistic regression was utilized to calculate odds ratios (OR), with autism as the dependent variable, adjusting for various factors. Results: The odds of autism among males were 3 times higher than in females. Children living at 0-99% of federal poverty level had 59% higher odds of autism compared to those at 400% or greater of federal poverty level. Children reporting fair or poor health demonstrated 10 times odds of autism than those with excellent health. Children with unmarried parents had 31% higher odds of autism than those with married parents, while children of unemployed parents had 64% higher odds than those with employed parents. Children with genetic or inherited conditions exhibited 5.38 odds of autism than those without such conditions. The odds of autism among children with low birth weight were 68% higher than in children with normal birth weight. Additionally, for every one event of adverse childhood experience, the odds of autism increased by 26%. Conclusion: The observed higher incidence of autism in males compared to females aligns with previous research findings. This study highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to address autism, recognizing the interaction of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors in its development. Further research into the complex relationships between these characteristics is needed. With this information, support groups, policymakers, and healthcare professionals can collaboratively develop targeted intervention programs aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of these risk factors and improving the lives of individuals affected by autism.