Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Autistic Patients in AL-Hilla City

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising, making early screening crucial. As nutritionally vulnerable populations, a detailed nutritional assessment is essential in order to recommend timely and intensive interventions. Material and Methods:  A descriptive study design” was employed to assessment of the nutritional status of autistic patients in Alhilla city in. from 1st / November / 2021 to 26st June 2022. Convenience (non-probability) sample" consisted of (200) samples, which is chosen during the sampling process through the period from (27th January 2022 to 5th April 2022). Results: The majority of ages of sample were within the 25-36 years old category by about (49.0%). The majority of the study's participants (33.0% and 59.0%) were educated and in institute school respectively. there is statistically high significant association between nutritional status and income monthly (P-value = 0.036). Also, there is statistically high significant association between educational level and nutrition condition (P-value = 0.021). Conclusions: The higher percentage of parents were educated, most of them were within (25-36 years) age group.  Most of child in the current study were less than three years mean age were 2.93 most of them were male.   The majority of parents reported a moderate level of nutritional status concerning their autistic children. There is a significant relationship between nutritional status with a parent educational.