Knowledge, Beliefs, Practice Challenges, Training Barriers and Needs of Kazakhstani Nurses in the Care of Autistic...

To examine nurses' knowledge, beliefs, challenges in practice, training barriers, and training needs in caring for patients with autism.

This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the knowledge, beliefs, challenges, training barriers, and training needs of nurses involved in the care of individuals with ASD in Kazakhstan. Data were collected using purposive sampling from nurses aged 18 years and older working in hospitals, schools, and autism centers through an online survey (in Russian and Kazakh) distributed via email, professional networks, and social media platforms. Descriptive and bivariate analysis were conducted by using the RStudio.

The study included 201 nurses, mostly female (89%) with a mean age of 37 years; two-thirds worked in Astana and government facilities, and 66% had over five years of experience. While 69% had encountered ASD cases, knowledge gaps persisted in recognizing traits such as resistance to change (47%), early symptom onset (46%), and object preoccupation (50%). Nurses without ASD training showed the lowest accuracy (45%) compared to those with formal education (61%) or professional development (60%). The support/school group demonstrated the weakest understanding. Although 91% expressed interest in training, barriers included time constraints (33%) and limited availability (30%), underscoring the need for a structured educational program.

Kazakhstani nurses show strong interest in ASD training but face notable knowledge gaps and misconceptions, especially without formal education or in support roles. Tailored, accessible training addressing barriers like time and availability is essential to enhance their capabilities and improve patient outcomes.