The Effect of Educational Intervention on Nurses’ Knowledge and Challenges in The Management of Autism in Health Fecilities in Fako Division of Cameroon

Review Article

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours. The prevalence of autism is rising across Africa including Cameroon, but its knowledge remains limited among nurses.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the current level of nurses’ knowledge on autism and evaluate the effect of targeted intervention on nurses’ knowledge on autism and challenges faced in its management in health facilities in Fako Division of Cameroon.

Method: This was cross-sectional hospital-based and pretest-posttest single-group interventional study which investigated the effect targeted intervention on nurses’ knowledge of autism and challenges faced in its management in health facilities in Fako Division of Cameroon. The study population consisted of nurses who were directly involved in providing nursing care to patients. The study was carried out from 15th October 2024 to 20th July 2025. The participants were 310 nurses who rendered care to patients in health facilities in the Buea of the Tiko and Limbe Health Districts in Fako Division, who were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling technique. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select study area and to enroll the participants to the study. The intervention was education on autism that was administered after a pretest during a workshop. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge before and after the intervention to compare results. Data was collected from May 13 to June 15, 2025, data collected was coded and entered into EPI and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. A paired sample t-test was performed to compare the mean scores of the pre- and post- responses. The level of significance was set at p< 0.05. Open ended questions were analysed using thematic analysis. Results were displayed using pie charts and tables.

Results: Baseline assessment revealed that nurses possessed poor knowledge regarding autism, as demonstrated by low mean pre-workshop test scores of 1.81. Following the educational intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge levels, with post-test scores of 7.77. The most significant challenge faced by nurses when managing children with autism was communication difficulties as indicated by (306)98.7% of the participants.

Conclusion: The targeted educational intervention significantly enhanced nurses’ knowledge on autism, leading to improved understanding and recognition of its associated challenges in its management among the participants. The results highlight the effectiveness of the intervention not only in improving factual knowledge, but also in deepening nurses’ insight into the multifaceted nature of autism and support available. Therefore, scale up educational workshops to include other healthcare workers such as general practitioners, community health workers, and caregivers across the Fako Division and beyond.