The Impact of Caregiver Education on the Outcomes of Pediatric Surgery Patients in Saudi Arabia: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam Mohammed , Alzedany Sukaina Kamal , Alkhonizy Sarah Wadea , Emam Razan , Alluwya Saeed Abdullah , Alessa Fatima Ismail , Aljefri Shatha Hassan , Alessa Mohammed Yousef 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Paediatric surgery is a complex field that requires providing patients and their families with extensive care. Pre- and post-operative education plays a crucial role in the preparation of patients and their caregivers for surgery and assisting the recovery process. However, there is scarce research on the impact of pre- and post-operative odds ratio (OR) education, specifically in the context of paediatric surgery in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aims to address this knowledge gap. The aims of this research were therefore to investigate the level of formal education that paediatric surgery patients and their caregivers had received both before and after surgical intervention intervention in Saudi Arabia and to determine the relationship between pre- and post-OR education levels as well as post-surgical outcomes of the patients. In addition, our study was intended to identify the factors affecting the efficacy of the given pre- and post-OR education and come up with recommendations for the enhancement of pre- and post-OR education and training, as applied to paediatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology:
In an effort to address the study’s objectives, a cross-sectional survey method was used in several hospitals in Saudi Arabia targeting patients who had either undergone paediatric surgery or the caregivers of the patient. The quantitative data gathering tools included pre- and post-OR education level, patients’ status, as well as satisfaction levels.

Statistical Analysis:
Statistical analysis for the study was done using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 28. 0. Measurements used quantitative data analysis wherein descriptive statistics were used to present demographic information and participants’ responses. Likert scale data were analysed through means and standard deviations. Relationships between the variables were explored using linear regression, establishing associations between pre-operative education and post-operative outcomes. Multivariate linear regression examined factors influencing pre-operative education. Odds ratios and confidence intervals were computed to assess the demographic influences. In addition, Cronbach’s alpha assessed the internal consistency of Likert scale sections. Writing and Hypothesis: The test of significance set was at P < 0. 05, which will ensure the generation of solid evidence regarding the effects of education on paediatric surgery in Saudi Arabia.

Results:
The study included 1170 participants from various demographic backgrounds in Saudi Arabia. The age distribution of participants was as follows: there are 18.7% of the population within the age group of 18–24 years, 8.4% within the age group of 25–34 years, 29.0% within the age group of 35–44 years, 36.4% within the age bracket of 45–64 years and 3.7% of the population is above the age of 65 years, whereas the rest of the gender distribution was nearly balanced with 45.8% of females and 51.4% of males. The majority of participants held a Bachelor’s degree (55.1%). The majority of participants lived in urban areas (82.2%). This study found a positive association between comprehensive pre- and post-OR education and improved patient outcomes, including reduced post-operative complications and higher satisfaction scores. Pre-operative education played a significant role in alleviating concerns or fears about the surgery (86.9%) and in helping participants understand their child’s recovery process (86.9%).

Conclusion:
The study findings highlight the effects of pre- and post-OR education outcomes on paediatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia. The results demonstrated the significance of pre- and post-education in helping lessen the fear and worries of parents with regard to patients’ surgery, promoting recovery understanding and enhancing patient satisfaction. Improving the quality of care and education is recommended to decrease complications and enhance surgery outcomes.