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Gender Influences Access to Surgical Care in Children With Peritonitis in Afghanistan

Mohammad Rafi Fazli1, Sayed Azim Faqiri2, Stephen Evans3

  • 1Crown Institute of Studies, Auckland, New Zealand.

World Journal of Surgery
|July 21, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Peritonitis is a major cause of death in children in low-income countries. This study examines sex-based disparities in surgical care access for these children in Afghanistan, where data is limited.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric surgery
  • Global health equity
  • Surgical outcomes in LMICs

Background:

  • Peritonitis significantly contributes to child morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • Delayed emergency surgical care access exacerbates adverse outcomes for pediatric peritonitis cases.
  • Existing reviews highlight sex-based disparities in surgical care access for children in LMICs, but Afghanistan lacks specific evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex-related differences in pediatric peritonitis patients' access to emergency surgical care in Afghanistan.
  • To identify potential barriers contributing to disparities in surgical care access for children in Afghanistan.
  • To provide evidence to inform interventions aimed at improving surgical care equity for children in Afghanistan.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of pediatric peritonitis cases admitted to surgical facilities in Afghanistan.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, including sex, age, and geographic origin.
  • Assessment of time to surgical intervention and associated outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Preliminary findings indicate potential sex-based differences in presentation and treatment timelines.
  • Analysis is ongoing to determine statistical significance and clinical implications of observed disparities.
  • Data collection focuses on identifying specific factors influencing access to care for male and female pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding sex-based disparities in surgical care access is crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric peritonitis.
  • Evidence from Afghanistan is needed to address the specific challenges faced by children in this region.
  • This study aims to contribute vital data to the global understanding of surgical care equity for children in LMICs.

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