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Social attitudes toward shaving for cranial neurosurgery
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat-Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand. rsanguan@ratree.psu.ac.th
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|May 22, 2001
Summary
Most Buddhists in Songkhla favor shaving for cranial surgery, but awareness of equivalent outcomes increases acceptance of the unshaved method, especially among younger, educated individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Sociology
- Cultural Studies
Background:
- Shaving is a traditional Buddhist practice for purification.
- Unshaved cranial surgery presents a cultural consideration for patients.
- Understanding social attitudes is crucial for informed consent in neurosurgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey social attitudes towards shaving for cranial neurological surgery in Songkhla Province.
- To assess the impact of knowledge on surgical outcomes on these attitudes.
- To inform neurosurgical practice regarding patient choice and cultural sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 1128 respondents in Songkhla Province.
- Data collected on demographics, religious beliefs, and attitudes towards shaving.
- Statistical analysis using ordinal and multinomial logit models.
Main Results:
- Initially, 60% favored shaving for cranial surgery.
- After learning about equivalent surgical outcomes, support for the unshaved method rose from 12% to 37%.
- Younger, more educated females who socialize frequently were more inclined towards the unshaved option.
Conclusions:
- Patient preference for shaving in cranial surgery is influenced by cultural and social factors.
- Informed consent should include discussing the option of unshaved procedures.
- Neurosurgical practice should accommodate patient choices regarding shaving based on cultural beliefs and social needs.