Original Article

Volume: 1 | Issue: 2 | Published: Jul 06, 2020 | Pages: 96 - 102 | DOI: 10.24911/SJEMed/72-1586249695

Level of awareness of parents toward pediatric lumbar punctures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


Authors: Nouf Bin Muammar , Norah Al Rohaimi , Banan Aleid , Aminah Al Harbi , Amal Yousif


Abstract

Background: Lumbar punctures (LPs) are known as a safe procedure, but many parents refuse to perform it on their children. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge of parents toward LPs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A pre-tested three-part online questionnaire that focused on knowledge, perception, and attitude was used on 1,276 adult residents of Riyadh, from November to December 2019. The data were analyzed and compared using the Chi-square test. Result: Of 1,276 parents, 79.3% were mothers, whereas 20.7% were fathers. A larger part of the population (65.7%) had a bachelor's degree (secondary education). The analysis of the results revealed that 56.1% had a bad perception and 51.1% had poor knowledge on LP. Hence, 70.4% had a positive attitude. A significant association between educational level and knowledge and perception was found. Conclusion: There is a direct association between a parent's knowledge of LPs and perception of LPs and level of education. The less they knew regarding LPs, the more negative they perceived the procedure, with gender and level of education affecting the outcome. Therefore, it is essential to aim the future research works and campaigns toward correcting the societal image of LPs.

Keywords: Lumbar puncture, pediatric emergency, awareness, parents



Pubmed Style

Nouf Bin Muammar, Norah Al Rohaimi, Banan Aleid, Aminah Al Harbi, Amal Yousif. Level of awareness of parents toward pediatric lumbar punctures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. SJE Med. 2020; 06 (July 2020): 96-102. doi:10.24911/SJEMed/72-1586249695

Publication History

Received: April 07, 2020

Accepted: June 16, 2020

Published: July 06, 2020


Authors

Nouf Bin Muammar

Medical Student, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Norah Al Rohaimi

Pediatric Resident, Pediatric department, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Banan Aleid

PharmD Intern, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Aminah Al Harbi

PharmD Intern, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Amal Yousif

Senior Pediatric Emergency Consultant, Pediatric Emergency Department, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Emergency, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia