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High prevalence of infantile autism in Kurume City, Japan
T Matsuishi1, Y Shiotsuki, K Yoshimura
1Department of Pediatrics, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan.
Insights
This study investigated infantile autism prevalence in Kurume City, finding a mean rate of 15.5 per 10,000 children. A significant male predominance was observed, with a 4:1 male to female ratio.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Child Neurology
Background:
- Infantile autism, a developmental disorder, requires accurate prevalence data for public health planning.
- Previous epidemiological studies on infantile autism have shown varying prevalence rates globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of infantile autism in children born between 1971 and 1979 in Kurume City.
- To analyze the sex distribution of infantile autism cases within this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted on children aged 4-12 years in Kurume City.
- Prevalence rates were calculated by dividing the number of diagnosed cases by the total child population for each birth year.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess the significance of the sex ratio.
Main Results:
- A total of 51 cases of infantile autism were identified.
- The mean prevalence rate was 15.5 per 10,000 children, with rates ranging from 10.4 to 17.5 per 10,000.
- A significant sex difference was found, with a male to female ratio of 4:1 (prevalence: 24.8/10,000 males vs. 5.7/10,000 females; p < 0.0005).
Conclusions:
- The study confirmed high prevalence rates of infantile autism in Kurume City during the specified period.
- The findings highlight a substantial male predominance in infantile autism, consistent with previous research.
- This epidemiological data is crucial for understanding the burden of infantile autism and informing targeted interventions.
Abstract:
We surveyed the prevalence of infantile autism in Kurume City. Children born between 1971 and 1979 ranged in age from 4 to 12 years at the time of the survey. We found 51 cases of infantile autism. In each year group, we determined the ratio of the number of cases of infantile autism to the total number of children. The prevalence ranged from 10.4/10,000 to 17.5/10,000, with a mean prevalence of 15.5/10,000. The sex distribution was 42 males (prevalence of 24.8/10,000) and nine females (prevalence of 5.7/10,000). The results showed a significant sex difference, with a male:female ratio of 4:1 (p less than 0.0005). High prevalence rates of infantile autism in Kurume City were confirmed.