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Factors influencing refusal of lumbar puncture in children under age 10: a cross-sectional study
Shaheen Masood1, Riffat Farrukh1, Amber Naseer1
1Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi Medical and Dental College.
Insights
Parental education and societal factors significantly influence lumbar puncture (LP) refusal in children. Addressing these barriers through doctor intervention improves acceptance of the essential pediatric procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Lumbar puncture (LP) is a critical diagnostic procedure in pediatrics.
- Understanding factors influencing LP refusal is vital for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with lumbar puncture refusal in children aged 1-10 years.
- To explore the impact of parental education and societal influences on LP acceptance.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving surveys of parents/guardians and interviews with attending doctors.
- Assessment of parental educational background and decision-making processes.
- Evaluation of doctors' interventions to address parental concerns.
Main Results:
- Illiteracy and lower educational background were strongly linked to LP refusal.
- Societal influences, including peer pressure and lack of knowledge, contributed to refusal.
- Doctoral intervention successfully dispelled myths and reassured parents, overcoming initial refusal.
Conclusions:
- Lower parental education and societal factors are significant barriers to pediatric lumbar puncture.
- Effective communication and education by healthcare providers can overcome misconceptions and improve procedure acceptance.
- Addressing educational and cultural factors is crucial for enhancing pediatric healthcare outcomes.
Background:
This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with refusal of lumbar puncture (LP) in children aged 1-10 years who presented to a paediatric department in our hospital.
Methods:
A sample of parents and guardians of children who presented to the paediatric department were surveyed to gather information about their educational background and decision-making processes. Attending doctors were also interviewed using a questionnaire to gather their perspectives on the reasons for LP refusal in children. Attending doctors then tried to convince the parents or guardians to see if it changed their decision.
Results:
The study found that the majority of parents and guardians had a lower educational background, with over half being illiterate. Refusal of LP was seen most frequently in parents or guardians who were illiterate. The decision-making process was found to be heavily dependent on the father in a male-dominated society. Peer pressure and lack of knowledge were found to be factors that contributed to LP refusal.
Conclusion:
Refusal of a LP was linked to having a lower educational background and to societal influences in this cross-sectional study of children aged 1-10 years. More than half of the parents and guardians were illiterate, indicating that they had a lower level of education. Refusing LP was influenced by a number of factors, including social pressure and a lack of information. However, these obstacles were overcome thanks to the efforts of the attending doctors who dispelled myths and reassured the parents and guardians of the necessity and safety of the procedure. Possible roadblocks include a lack of financial resources and common misconceptions about LP. These results highlight the significance of addressing educational and societal factors to enhance children's healthcare.
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