Knowledge and Awareness Among Parents of Pediatric Patients Regarding the Complications of Recurrent Adenotonsillitis and Its Surgical Treatment

Abstract

Background Given that parents act as both decision-makers and caregivers for their children, focusing on their experiences in managing their child's complex postoperative recovery is important. Objective To evaluate the parents' awareness regarding adenotonsillar diseases and post-adenotonsillectomy complications in their children. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving parents and guardians of pediatric patients aged 1-14 years scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy according to Paradise Criteria at Ohud Hospital, Al Madinah. A well-constructed, self-administered questionnaire, including questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics and those assessing the knowledge of parents/guardians regarding adenotonsillar diseases and post-adenotonsillectomy complications, was distributed to all participants. Results This study included 294 parents (mean ± standard deviation of age, 33.0 ± 6.9 years; range, 18 and 55 years), more than half of whom were males (153, 52%). Overall, 127 parents (43.2%) had a poor level of knowledge regarding the complications of recurrent adenotonsillitis and its surgical treatment. University/postgraduate parents were more knowledgeable than lower educated parents (p < 0.001). Participants with a family history of recurrent adenotonsillectomy were more knowledgeable than those who had no such history (p < 0.001 ). Conclusion The parents/guardians of children scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy had insufficient knowledge regarding the complications of recurrent adenotonsillitis and its surgical treatment, necessitating health education among such a demographic.