Creencias culturales en la gestión farmacológica de padres de niños con trastorno del espectro autista
Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder; health belief model; parents; psychotropicsAbstract
Introduction: decisions regarding adherence to psychopharmaceuticals in children with autism spectrum disorder are often the responsibility of parents, who may be influenced by cultural taboos that undermine therapeutic effectiveness.
Objective: to identify the cultural beliefs that influence the pharmacological management practices of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder at the special school “Divino Niño” in the city of Diriamba.
Methods: a qualitative methodology was used, employing a phenomenological and cross-sectional approach. Data collection was carried out through a focus group with six parents of children with autism and an in-depth interview with a psychiatry specialist. Data triangulation was conducted by organizing information into categories, subcategories, and emerging patterns in schematic format, along with theoretical triangulation. The ethical principles of scientific research were observed.
Results: the cultural beliefs of parents of children with autism shape their attitudes toward psychopharmaceuticals and adherence to treatment, leading them to prioritize alternative options and modify dosages. Consequently, pharmacological management is directly affected, influenced by the emotional impact of the diagnosis and resistance to medication due to fear of side effects.
Conclusions: there is a need for healthcare professionals to understand and work based on parents’ cultural beliefs in order to improve communication and treatment adherence in children with autism, without compromising evidence-based medical care.
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