Parental perception of small ventricular septal defects in childhood.
OBJECTIVE
The main aim of this study was to determine the understanding and perception of parents following the diagnosis of a minor cardiac abnormality, namely a small ventricular septal defect, in the child. Other aims included discovering the reasons behind these perceptions and whether they affected the parents' management of their child and his/her cardiac problem.


METHODS
Fifty-six infants and children from two tertiary centres and the private practices of the participating cardiologists were enrolled over a 5-month period. Questionnaires were prepared and distributed to all their parents.


RESULTS
Complete data was obtained from 40 parents. Close to 80% of the parents perceived the small ventricular septal defect as a minor problem and most understood the nature of the defect. However, when asked about precautions for their child, only two-thirds recalled the need for antibiotic prophylaxis. Most parents experienced distress and anxiety when told initially of the diagnosis but none reportedly restricted their child's physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Most parents have a clear understanding and perception of their child's small ventricular septal defect. There is a need for further improvement to facilitate parental understanding, especially with regard to the need for antibiotic prophylaxis.
Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
S W
SW
Lok
S
S
Menahem
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006345:Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires