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TÜRKÇE
Poster - 267
Missed at birth: Are mothers equipped to recognize anorectal malformations? A cross sectional study on maternal knowledge and its role in early diagnosis
AMNA CHOUDRY 1, Batool Fatima 2, Naima Zamir 1, rabbiya salauddin 1
1 National Institute of child Health, Karachi Pakistan
2 Department of Pediatric Surgery, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan
Purpose:
Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are congenital defects that, if undetected at birth, can lead to serious complications . In many low-resource settings, late presentation remains common. As primary caregivers, mothers are often the first to notice abnormalities during routine hygiene care. This study aimed to assess how well mothers recognize normal versus abnormal anal appearances in newborns and to explore the impact of education and other maternal factors on this ability.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over six months (June to November 2024) at the immunization and neonatal clinics of tertiary paediatric hospital. A total of 123 mothers participated. Data were collected using structured, questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, prior awareness of ARMs, and understanding of normal perineal anatomy. Participants were shown five standardized images of neonatal perineum and asked to identify each as normal or abnormal. Statistical associations were evaluated using the Chi-square test.
Results:
Only 31% of mothers reported prior knowledge of ARMs. While 37% had previously examined their child’s perineum, 96% could correctly identify its anatomical location. However, recognition of specific anomalies varied widely: 71% correctly identified female imperforate anus, 51% male imperforate anus, 40% male perineal fistula, and only 17% rectovestibular fistula. During the study, abnormal perineal findings were incidentally identified in 3.3% of neonates.
Conclusion:
The findings reveal substantial gaps in maternal recognition of ARMs, particularly for subtle or less visible anomalies. Strengthening awareness through education at antenatal clinics, delivery wards, and community health programs is essential to improve early detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and prevent avoidable morbidity in affected newborns.