Family attitude to pediatric spine deformity

Abstract

Introduction Analysis of psycho-emotional aspects in children suffering from spinal deformities demonstrates a high level of dysfunctionality in mechanisms of personal and intra-family adjustment. There is a paucity of publications on the problem. Objectives included multidimensional psychometric assessment of parents' attitude toward children with spinal deformities and the correlation with psychological characteristics of patients. Material and methods Results of a survey performed for 45 patients who underwent operative treatment for spinal deformities of different etiology and their parents were reviewed. The patients' age ranged from 7 months to 17 years inclusive. Validated questionnaires used as survey tools included the "DOBR" questionnaire, FACES-3, SDQ and DERS. Patients were assigned to two age-related groups, Juniors aged from 7 months to 6 years inclusive and Seniors aged from 7 to 17 years inclusive. An intergroup and correlation analyses were performed in the study groups. Results Multidimensional analysis showed that parents of children with spinal deformities tend to downgrade the severity of the child's condition neglecting postoperative prescription standards that was more common for Seniors (p = 0.001). Parents look toward the maximum intra-family cohesion but do not have the necessary knowledge to achieve it. Emotional problems and social adjustment difficulties are more common for Seniors (p = 0.031). Conclusion Lack of adequate parental knowledge about the child's disease is the key factor behind the imbalance in intra-family functioning. Therapeutic intervention and parent management training can facilitate to psycho-emotional well-being in the family and postoperative improvements for maladapting children with spinal deformities.