Accuracy of caregivers' recall of hospital admissions: implications for research

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health Outcomes
• Healthcare Research Methodology
• Childhood Epidemiology

Background:

• Accurate data on childhood hospital admissions is crucial for public health research.
• Caregiver recall is frequently used to gather information on healthcare utilization.
• Previous studies have indicated potential inaccuracies in parental recall of health events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the accuracy of caregiver recall regarding hospital admissions in early childhood.
• To identify factors influencing the accuracy of this recall.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted with babies at risk for neonatal hypoglycemia.
• Caregivers' recall of hospital admissions up to 4.5 years was compared against medical records.
• The study analyzed the relationship between recall accuracy and neonatal/socio-demographic factors.

Main Results:

• Of 267 children, 40% were admitted at least once; 25% of these admissions were not recalled by caregivers.
• Only 35% of caregivers accurately recalled the number of admissions.
• Recall accuracy varied by reason for admission, with respiratory and ENT admissions recalled more accurately than gastrointestinal or surgical ones.
• Lower socioeconomic status and multiple admissions were linked to less accurate recall.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver recall of hospital admissions in early childhood is often inaccurate.
• Findings highlight significant discrepancies between reported and recorded hospitalizations.
• Questionnaire data on hospital use should be interpreted with caution in research settings.