Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
Published on: September 20, 2024
Risk Factors for Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Review and
Aishat F Akomolafe1, Fathima R Mahmood1, Bushra M Abdallah1
1College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
Purpose:
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is poorly understood, with sparse data from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has a unique socio-epidemiological setting. This research investigated early-life developmental risk factors associated with ASD in the MENA region.
Methods:
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for observational studies that conducted adjusted analyses of ASD risk factors in the MENA region. We analyzed associations between ASD and factors related to conception, inheritance, maternal morbidity during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. After study quality assessment, meta-analyses for each risk factor were carried out using a bias-adjusted inverse variance heterogeneity model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and publication bias using Doi plots and funnel plots.
Results:
The systematic review included 19 case-control studies from eight countries within the MENA region. In overall synthesis, male sex (OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 2.39-4.48, I2 = 40.9%), family history of ASD (OR=7.02, 95% CI 3.30-14.95, I2 = 85.0%), and consanguinity (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.38-2.28, I2 = 57.1%) were associated with ASD. Although with limited studies, a review of the literature showed some possible associations between ASD and gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, macrosomia, NICU admission, respiratory distress syndrome, cesarean delivery, gestational age, and older maternal age.
Conclusion:
These findings confirm the association between male sex, family history of ASD and consanguinity with ASD, potentially suggesting some inherited mechanism in the etiology of ASD in the MENA region. Some maternal co-morbidities during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes may contribute to higher ASD risk, although more studies are needed in the region.
Registration:
The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration ID CRD42024499837.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
02:16Surveys