Parental acceptance of ECG screening for school-aged children: influencing factors and recommendations

ECG screening is vital for the early identification of genetic, congenital, and other cardiovascular conditions in young individuals, potentially reducing the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This study aims to evaluate parental knowledge and attitudes toward ECG screening and to identify the factors influencing their acceptance or reluctance.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 1,137 parents of school-aged children in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire gathered demographic information, assessed the level of awareness regarding inherited cardiac diseases, and evaluated parental attitudes and perceptions toward ECG screening for children.

The findings revealed a significant lack of understanding regarding the effectiveness of ECG in diagnosing inherited cardiac diseases. Only 26.3% of parents were familiar with the concept of ECG screening, while 73.7% were unaware of it. Furthermore, over one-third (35.7%) had no knowledge of ECG, and 48.1% had only heard of it. Notably, 25.6% opposed ECG screening for their children, primarily due to confidentiality concerns (24.1%). Despite these concerns, 46.4% acknowledged the potential benefits of ECG screening in preventing serious cardiac diseases, and 23.4% trusted the test's reliability. Additionally, 42.9% of respondents felt that schools or general practitioners should offer more information regarding ECG testing.

The study highlights a critical lack of awareness and understanding of ECG screening among parents, emphasizing the need for enhanced educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns. By improving parental knowledge, acceptance of cardiovascular screening in youth may increase, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes.