Work

Implementation of M-Chat for Screening of Early Signs of Autism in the Brazilian Health Care System: A Feasibility Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: : Background: Although screening for early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) has been recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health since 2017, the feasibility of this intervention and its effects in primary care have not been sufficiently investigated. Objectives: (1) to assess the level of knowledge and practices of nursing professionals’ caregivers in Brazilian primary health care regarding ASD, (2) to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating the M-CHAT into the vaccination childcare routine, and (3) evaluate the frequency of children with possible early signs of ASD using the M-CHAT. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted in a medium-sized city in southeastern Brazil. A total of 97 nurses from 21 health facilities participated. The professionals answered a questionnaire on knowledge and practices regarding ASD, attended a training on early signs of ASD and for the use of M-CHAT. Finally, they administered the M-CHAT to 267 parents of children aged 16 to 57 months in primary care settings. Results: Insufficient knowledge of ASD was identified among the nursing professionals evaluated. Approximately 80% agreed that the training was satisfactory, and 88% agreed that they felt competent to use the M-CHAT, 74% agreed with the benefits of using the M-CHAT to detect early signs of ASD in public health settings. However, 91% of the professionals reported that incorporating the M-CHAT into the day care routine overloaded their work, and less than 50% agreed that the instrument should continue to be used in the day care routine. Sixty-seven (25.09%) children screened positive for possible early signs of ASD by M-CHAT. Conclusion: The insufficient level of knowledge on ASD found among nursing professionals suggests gaps in Brazilian academic and professional training in this area. Although most participants recognized the importance of early detection of signs of ASD in primary care settings, the implementation of the M-CHAT in the routine primary care settings was not well accepted for most participants due to work overload, which indicates the need for public health policies to offer working conditions that minimize the overload of professionals, maintaining early screening interventions for ASD in Brazilian primary care institutions.

Source: Nursing Reports

DOI: 10.3390/nursrep15040120

Authors: Nadia Maria Giaretta Ranalli, Sabrina Trufeli, Felipe Alckmin-Carvalho, Maria Cristina Triguero Veloz Teixeira

Institutions: Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, University of Beira Interior

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172