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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Protocol

Prevalence and comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder in Spain: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Authors: Ferrán Catalá-López, Manuel Ridao, Isabel Hurtado, Amparo Núñez-Beltrán, Ricard Gènova-Maleras, Adolfo Alonso-Arroyo, Aurelio Tobías, Rafael Aleixandre-Benavent, Miguel A. Catalá, Rafael Tabarés-Seisdedos

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and restrictive and repetitive behaviour. Previous systematic reviews have traditionally assessed the prevalence of ASD on global or regional context, with very few meta-analyses at the country level. The objective of this study will be to systematically evaluate published and unpublished observational studies that present prevalence and comorbidity of ASD among children, adolescent and adult population in Spain.

Methods/design

We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of descriptive epidemiology data. Observational studies (cohort, cross-sectional) reporting the prevalence of ASD and conducted in a wide range of people (e.g. general population, outpatient and/or school settings) will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of ASD. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any physical or mental comorbidity in association with ASD. No limitations will be imposed on publication status, study conduct period, and language of dissemination. Comprehensive literature searches will be conducted in seven electronic databases (from January 1980 onwards), including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, IME—Spanish Medical Index and IBECS—Spanish Bibliographic Index of Health Sciences. Grey literature will be identified through searching dissertation databases, Google Scholar and conference abstracts. Two team members will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Prevalence estimates will be stratified according to gender, age and geographical location. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g. methodological quality, sample size, diagnostic criteria).

Discussion

This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational data will identify, evaluate and integrate the epidemiological knowledge underlying the prevalence of ASD in Spain. The results of this study will be of interest to multiple audiences including patients, their families, caregivers, healthcare professional, scientists and policy makers. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Implications for future epidemiological research will be discussed.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018090372

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Title: Prevalence and comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder in Spain: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Ferrán Catalá-López
Manuel Ridao
Isabel Hurtado
Amparo Núñez-Beltrán
Ricard Gènova-Maleras
Adolfo Alonso-Arroyo
Aurelio Tobías
Rafael Aleixandre-Benavent
Miguel A. Catalá
Rafael Tabarés-Seisdedos
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published in: Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-1061-1

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Prevalence and comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder in Spain: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Systematic review registration

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Systematic review registration

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