Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate Saudi parents’ perspectives on the non-operative management (NOM) of simple appendicitis in their children, aiming to inform clinical practices and decision-making.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to August 2024 among 1,100 Saudi parents of children aged 5 to 18 years. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions addressing treatment preferences, knowledge, and concerns regarding appendicitis management. A pre-educational and post-educational assessment was utilized to gauge shifts in attitudes following the presentation of updated treatment information.
Results: A total of 1,077 parents (97.9% response rate) participated in the study. Initially, 77.5% favored surgical intervention, while only 13.6% supported antibiotic treatment. Post-education, the preference for surgery decreased to 29.2%, with 42.1% favoring antibiotics alone. Concerns about recurrent appendicitis and potential worsening of the condition were prevalent among participants. Additionally, 55.9% expressed unwillingness to participate in a hypothetical research trial comparing treatment approaches. Conclusion: The findings highlighted significant parental apprehension regarding NOM of appendicitis, primarily driven by fears of complications and recurrence. Educational interventions can positively influence treatment preferences, increasing acceptance of antibiotics as a primary treatment.

Key words: Appendicitis, non-operative management, Saudi Arabia, parental perspectives, decision-making