Evaluation of Saudi Arabian Parent’s Attitude towards Lumbar Puncture in Their Children for Diagnosis of Meningitis
Journal Title: The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine - Year 2018, Vol 70, Issue 9
Abstract
<strong>Background:</strong> although lumbar puncture is a safe procedure in experienced hands, some parents fear having it performed in their children and refuse consent. The factors associated with this refusal are unclear and any differences between consenting and non-consenting parents might provide clues as to how to address them. Objective: this study aimed to predict the underlying factors that affect parent’s refusal of consent for lumbar puncture in their children with meningitisin southern Saudi Arabia. <strong>Methods</strong>: We conducted a cross-sectional study, of 750 children with meningitis, who visited either the emergency department or the pediatric wards in three teaching hospitals (Khamis Mushait Maternity and Children Hospital, Abha Maternity and Children Hospital and Military Hospital (Khamis Mushait) in the southern region of Saudi Arabia from 20<sup>th</sup> February 2016to 6<sup>th</sup> January <strong>Results: </strong>his study included 751 patients with meningitis. Their ages ranged between one month and 13 years (3.9±3.3 years); 42.7% presented with other symptoms (cough, sore throat, dyspnea and pneumonia); 28.7% had fever, 10% vomiting, 12.1% dyspnea, and 6.5% convulsions. Fifty-one per cent of children were accompanied by their fathers, 41.9% by their mothers and 6.9% by others. Accompanying people were asked for consent for lumbar puncture in their children; 44.3% disagreed and 55.7% agreed. Factors influencing disagreement were relative’s opinions (35.1%), media (30.4%) and their previous experience (12.3%). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> based on the results of this study, the main reason for refusal of consent for LP in the children of the majority of parents was fear of side effects such as paralysis, as well as lack of awareness about the usefulness of LP in diagnosis and treatment of children. Informing parents of affected children is very important in the counseling for such diagnostic tests. Therefore, it seems that it is necessary to pay more attention for training in national health plans.
Authors and Affiliations
Eman Helal
Keywords
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