Abstract
Introduction Since hospitalization can be a traumatic event for children, many of them may suffer
from a cluster of chronic psychological and emotional difficulties called Pediatric
Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS). Although PMTS causes considerable functional impairment
and psychological distress and may decrease the children's compliance with post-surgical
care, awareness of this condition is low and thus not enough effort is made to prevent
it. The objective of this study is to assess prospectively the prevalence and characteristics
of PMTS in school-age children following hospitalization in a general pediatric surgery
ward and in their parents, which has not been documented before.
Materials Patients and Methods We recruited parents of 88 children aged 6 to 13 years old, hospitalized in a pediatric
surgery ward and which form a representative sample of the children of this age in
the ward. Three to five months after discharge from the hospital, the parents completed
questionnaires measuring symptoms of psychological distress.
Results About 26.4% of children displayed symptoms of PMTS, and 11.6% of parents suffered
from posttraumatic stress disorder following their child's hospitalization. Moreover,
we found a medium high positive correlation between the parents' level of distress
and that of their child.
Conclusion In view of the prevalence of PMTS among school-aged children following surgical intervention,
it is necessary to promote increased awareness, preventive interventions, and early
identification and treatment of this condition.
Keywords
PMTS - PTSD - prevalence - surgical procedures
