Insufficient Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Italian Nursing Students

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted at the Sapienza University of Rome found that nursing students in Italy have insufficient knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study used a validated questionnaire to assess the knowledge of 104 nursing students enrolled in the 2nd and 3rd years of the nursing degree programme. The results showed that the average score obtained on the Knowledge About Childhood Autism Among Healthcare Workers (KCAHW) questionnaire was 9.5 out of 19, indicating an insufficient level of knowledge. Students with direct experience with children with ASD had higher scores than those without experience. Female students also scored higher than male students.

Key Takeaways:

  • Italian nursing students have insufficient knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, with an average score of 9.5 out of 19 on the KCAHW questionnaire.
  • Students with direct experience with children with ASD had higher scores than those without experience.
  • Female students scored higher than male students.
  • Theoretical training and age were not significant factors in determining knowledge of ASD.
  • The results indicate a need for compulsory modules and structured training on ASD in nursing education.

Statistics:

  • 104 students were included in the study.
  • The average score on the KCAHW questionnaire was 9.5 out of 19 (SD = 2.78).
  • Students with direct experience with children with ASD scored a median of 11.0 vs. 9.3 for those without experience.
  • Female students scored a mean of 9.9 vs. 8.7 for male students.
  • Age and theoretical training were not significant factors in determining knowledge of ASD.

Sources:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders Knowledge: Results From An Italian Nursing Students Multicenter Cross-sectional Study. NSC Nursing, 2025,4(3):43-63.
  • DOI: https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.32549/OPI-NSC-127
  • Sapienza University of Rome Researchers Update Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism Spectrum Disorders Knowledge: Results From An Italian Nursing Students Multicenter Cross-sectional Study). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025.