P.123 Assessing level of awareness, attitudes and believes toward pediatric congenital neurosurgical conditions

Abstract

Background: Community awareness, attitudes and beleifs toward pediatric patients diagnosed with congenital neurosurgical conditions is not known in the Saudi population and the number of studies is few worldwide. Such attitudes have a direct impact on the quality of life of patients with these congenital conditions. This study aims to demonstrate the variation in awareness, attitudes and believes in the public and among health-care professionals towards patients diagnosed with congenital neurosurgical conditions and its associated factors. Methods: A survey consisting of 36 questions pertaining to Hydrocephalus, Brain Tumors and Spina Bifida awareness, attitudes and believes was distributed to Saudi citizens living in the eastern province older than 15 years of age among hospitals visitors, medical students, nutritionists, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses. Results: The analysis of the 1002 respondent of the questionnaire shows clear social stigmata and improper awareness, attitudes and believes toward pediatric patients diagnosed with congenital neurosurgical conditions. There are variable parameters on interest measured and analyzed and there are certain patterns observed as well. Conclusions: The analysis showed the importance of health education for the public to increase the level of awareness and it justifies why these factors should be addressed in the middle of patients’ management, community awareness and health planning.