Key personal factors and moderation effect of belief on shaping the willingness for early ASD detection in Jordan: A SEM Analysis

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence increases healthcare utilisation, underscoring healthcare providers' vital role in early detection. This growing prominence underscores the pivotal roles of healthcare providers in the early detection of ASD. Understanding the influence of their factors, Knowledge, Awareness, Experience, Preparedness, and Beliefs impact providers' Willingness for early ASD detection. This study explores these factors comprehensively, contributing to a nuanced understanding and assessing the effect of Beliefs on healthcare providers' Willingness for early ASD detection, examining their influence on Awareness, Knowledge, Experience, and perceived Preparedness.
Methodology: In the Al-Mafraq region of Jordan, this study surveyed 202 participants from various healthcare facilities using structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the connection between Beliefs and healthcare providers' Awareness, Knowledge, Experience, perceived Preparedness, and Willingness for early ASD detection.
Result: Belief moderated the path from Preparedness towards Willingness. This means that the higher the value of Belief, the greater the effect of healthcare providers' Preparedness for early ASD detection.
Conclusion: The study uncovers significant associations between healthcare providers' Knowledge, Experience, and perceived Preparedness and their Willingness for early ASD detection. Belief emerges as a pivotal moderator, emphasising its influential role in shaping the connection between Preparedness and Willingness.