Keywords
anorectal malformation
health literacy
postoperative care
patient outcomes
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Anorectal malformations (ARM) require surgical correction and sustained postoperative care primarily delivered by parents. This study examined how parental education relates to early symptom recognition, adherence to postoperative regimens, and clinical outcomes.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study (August 2023-July 2025) enrolled 120 children (aged 1 month–14 years) with ARM at Liaquat University Hospital, Pakistan. Data from medical records, parental surveys, and interviews were analyzed using SPSS version 23.
Results: Higher parental education was significantly associated with earlier symptom recognition (22.4 vs 68.7 days, p<0.001), better adherence to stoma care (92% vs 58%, p<0.001), anal dilatation (88% vs 52%, p<0.001), and bowel management (85% vs 48%, p<0.001). Children of more educated parents had fewer complications including anal stenosis (8% vs 28%, p<0.001), megarectum (5% vs 22%, p=0.002), and constipation (12% vs 35%, p<0.001).
Conclusions: Parental education strongly predicts postoperative care quality and clinical outcomes in ARM. Targeted, culturally adapted education programs may reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes.