Objective: This study aimed to assess parental knowledge, perception, and awareness of congenital umbilical hernias (UHs) in infants and children, as well as the timing of treatment in Al-Qunfudah Governorate.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 through a pretested, structured online questionnaire among 386 participants through convenience sampling techniques. All parents who had children living in the Al-Qunfudah governorate and were willing to participate in the study were included.
Results: Most participants were within the 18-25 age group (33.70%), females (80.60%), and almost all participants were Saudi nationals (99.00%). Most were married (59.30%), and had a bachelor’s degree (58.00%). Among affected children, most were infants less than 1 year (4.70%). Most of the participants reported all of the following: abdominal muscle weakness, abdominal and bariatric surgery, congenital, obesity, chronic constipation, and chronic cough as causes of hernia (50.50%). Despite this awareness, there were gaps in recognizing symptoms. Regarding sources of knowledge about hernia, the majority get the knowledge from healthcare professionals (35.80%). The findings on the timing and indications for UH repair showed a general inclination toward intervention.
Conclusion: The participants in the study exhibited varying levels of awareness and knowledge regarding congenital UHs. There was general agreement that large hernias, strangulated or incarcerated hernias, and symptomatic hernias should be repaired. There was also support for repairing asymptomatic reducible UHs by the age of 5 years if they had not spontaneously closed.
Key words: Knowledge, awareness, umbilical hernia, timing, Saudi Arabia
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