Evaluation of parental attitudes toward lumbar puncture in their children

ABSTRACT

Sometimes physicians need to assess some markers on selected children's cerebrospinal fluid according to lumbar puncture [LP]. Although immediate diagnosis and treatment especially for meningitis in necessary, But just at this moment, due to some incorrect believe in society, some parents may not allow physician to LP. The reality is that most of these people, if they have enough information about this issue, will not interfere. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents toward this subject. Through a cross - sectional study we evaluated 91 parents of children, who must been undergone LP as physician's decision, selected during 18 months using purposive sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that consisted of two sections of the child and the parents' knowledge and attitudes. Scientific validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by content validity. To achieve the objectives, SPSS 15 and descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used. 61 parents [67%] mentioned fear of some side effects as the main reason of their children 's LP discontent .The most important cause of fear was low back pain according to 50 [54.9%] parents 's view. 70 parents [76.9%] had some satisfaction after performing LP .There was statistically significant difference between proportion of satisfied parents and non-satisfied ones [p<0.001]. Average score parental satisfaction for LP was [7.2 +/- 3.2 87]. It seems that improvement of parents 's information about LP process and it's benefits by health care group, may influence on their belief and cooperation during diagnostic tests