Pre-, Peri-, and Neonatal Risk Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Results of a Case-control Study in Armenia

Objective: We aimed to investigate the role of pre-, peri- and neonatal risk factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among Armenian children with the goal of detecting and addressing modifiable risk factors to reduce ASD incidence. Design: We conducted a retrospective case-control study using a random proportional sample of Armenian children with ASD to assess associations between various factors and ASD. The study was approved by the local ethical committee, and parental written consent was obtained. Results: A total of 168 children with ASD and 329 controls were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender, maternal weight gain, use of MgB6, self-reported stress during the pregnancy, pregnancy with complications, as well as use of labor-inducing drugs were associated with a significant increase in the odds of ASD, whereas Duphaston use during pregnancy, the longer interpregnancy interval and birth height were associated with decreased odds of ASD. Conclusion: These findings are pertinent as many identified factors may be preventable or modifiable, underscoring the importance of timely and appropriate public health strategies aimed at disease prevention in pregnant women to reduce ASD incidence.