Long-term Psychosocial Benefits of Paediatric Corrective Surgery: A Cross-sectional Analysis in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aleid Kawthar Mohammed , Alawami Fatimah , Alghamdi Ghaida Mohammed , Alrasheed Mohammed , Alghamdi Ghaida , Al Jabbar Imtinan , Alamer Afnan , Khan Arshadullah , Hakme Elie , Alamer Abdullah , Alessa Mohammed Yousef 
Published: December 2024

Context:

The interplay between psychosocial factors and medical interventions is notably evident in paediatric patients dealing with congenital or acquired deformities, and the relationship between an individual’s physical appearance and their psychological well-being has long been a focal point of psychosocial research. Paediatric patients, with their still-evolving sense of self, are especially vulnerable to body image disturbances when faced with congenital or acquired physical deformities. Despite the prevalence of such surgeries, the longitudinal psychosocial benefits have not been thoroughly examined, presenting a notable gap in both literature and clinical approach. This study ventures to fill this void by evaluating the enduring psychological effects of corrective surgery on body image and self-esteem in paediatric patients.

Aims:

The significance of this research is manifold, poised to refine clinical practices, enhance patient counselling and contribute to the holistic psychosocial betterment of affected children.

Settings and Design:

The cross-sectional study evaluated the psychological outcomes of childhood corrective surgeries among 480 Saudi Arabian adults. Participants indicated moderate satisfaction with their appearance, often comparing themselves to others, which affected their self-esteem, highlighting the need for supportive measures addressing body image in this population.

Subjects and Methods:

It utilised stratified random sampling and standardised questionnaires to reflect diverse demographic variables.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data analysis was done with SPSS, adhering to ethical protocols, including informed consent.

Results:

The majority of our study’s participants were adults, with 18.3% of them being female. Our participants experienced an improvement in the confidence in their physical appearance post-surgery (mean = 3.86, standard deviation [SD] =0.855) with a moderate level of satisfaction with the results of their corrective surgery (mean = 3.69, SD = 1.010). Surgery had positive influence on self-esteem and self-confidence with a mean score of 1.72 (SD = 0.134). Notable, males demonstrated significantly higher self-esteem than female counterparts, with an odd ratio of 1.54 (95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.98, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Corrective surgeries in paediatric patients are demonstrably linked to positive psychosocial outcomes, reinforcing the imperative for such interventions to transcend physical rectification. This study enriches the body of literature by situating the psychosocial effects within the cultural context of Saudi Arabia and underscores the necessity for healthcare professionals to integrate psychosocial assessments into paediatric surgical care. The findings advocate for policy reforms that support comprehensive care approaches, ensuring that the psychosocial dimensions of paediatric surgeries are not overlooked. Future research, ideally longitudinal in design, should further delineate the sustained impacts of these surgeries to inform more nuanced clinical strategies and policies.