HIỆU QUẢ CAN THIỆP BẰNG CẨM NANG HƯỚNG DẪN TRONG TĂNG CƯỜNG KIẾN THỨC VÀ TIẾP CẬN DỊCH VỤ CHĂM SÓC TRẺ RỐI LOẠN PHỔ TỰ KỶ CỦA CHA MẸ TẠI HÀ NỘI

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a guidebook-based intervention on improving knowledge, attitudes, skills, and access to and utilization of services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among parents in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2024–2025.

Methods: Pre–post intervention study without a control group was conducted among 191 parents or primary caregivers of children under 15 years of age diagnosed with ASD at five specialized centers in Hanoi. Participants received a structured guidebook on ASD care and service navigation and were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months using standardized questionnaires on knowledge, attitudes, practices, and service use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired pre–post comparison tests.

Results: Following the intervention, the proportion of parents with adequate knowledge increased from 24.6% at baseline to 85.6% at 3 months and 96.5% at 6 months (p<0.001), with many knowledge items improving by 30–60% at 6 months. Positive attitudes toward early intervention and inclusive education increased markedly, particularly in domains with lower baseline agreement. Regular use of the guidebook increased from 66% to 74.5% (p<0.05). Mean confidence scores in ASD-related knowledge and caregiving skills improved significantly across all items. Overall satisfaction with the guidebook increased from 63.9% at 3 months to nearly 85% at 6 months.

Conclusions: The guidebook-based intervention is a feasible, low-cost, and effective approach to improving parental knowledge, attitudes, skills, and access to ASD-related services. This tool could be scaled up and integrated into community-based ASD care and family support systems.