Parental Knowledge and Acceptance of Pediatric Lumbar Puncture in Northern Saudi Arabia: Implications for Clinical
Dana Faez K Alenezi1, Rahaf Maqil T Alanazi1, Fai Fihat S Almatrafi1
1Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Parental knowledge of pediatric lumbar puncture (LP) is limited, impacting consent for this vital diagnostic procedure. Health education is crucial to improve understanding of LP
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Public Health
Background:
- Lumbar puncture (LP) is essential for diagnosing pediatric neurological and systemic conditions.
- Parental hesitation to consent for pediatric LP can delay critical diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding parental knowledge and attitudes is key to improving consent rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge and attitudes towards pediatric lumbar puncture (LP).
- To identify factors influencing parental consent for pediatric LP in Saudi Arabia's Northern Border Region.
- To inform targeted health education strategies for parents.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media.
- Data collected on sociodemographics, awareness, and attitudes regarding pediatric LP.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses performed to identify factors associated with knowledge and consent.
Main Results:
- Limited parental understanding of pediatric LP safety (38.1% considered it safe).
- Physician recommendation significantly influences consent (87.0% consent after advice).
- Younger parents (18-25 years) showed higher knowledge; middle-aged parents (26-35) had greater acceptance.
Conclusions:
- Parental knowledge regarding pediatric LP is generally insufficient.
- Targeted health education campaigns are necessary to enhance parental understanding of LP's safety and benefits.
- Improving parental comprehension can facilitate timely medical interventions for children.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Lumbar puncture (LP) remains a vital pediatric procedure for diagnosing neurological and systemic conditions. Despite its clinical significance, parental hesitation to authorize pediatric LP often impedes early diagnosis and care. This study aims to evaluate parental knowledge and attitudes regarding pediatric LP in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia, offering insights to inform targeted education strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and August 2025 using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media. The survey captured sociodemographic data and assessed awareness and attitudes toward pediatric LP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with knowledge and consent. Results: Among 703 respondents, 60.6% were mothers and 95.6% were Saudi nationals. While 64.6% acknowledged the importance of aseptic technique, just 38.1% considered LP a safe practice. Knowledge levels were highest in parents aged 18-25 years (p < 0.001). Physician recommendation was the key factor in parental consent (87.0%), with 59.2% willing to approve the procedure following advice. Parents aged 26-35 years showed greater acceptance (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.02-2.32, p = 0.04), whereas those older than 46 years were less receptive (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.86, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overall, parental knowledge regarding pediatric LP is limited. Targeted health education campaigns are needed to improve parental understanding of the procedure's safety, importance, and benefits.
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