IPS Journal of Public Health
Assessing Challenges and Consequences Associated with Delayed Cardiac Surgery among Nigerian Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Experience from University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City
By Lilian Chinasa Ezeuko and Benjamin Nandom.
Abstract
Background
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to definitive cardiac surgery remains limited. Delayed surgery may result in clinical deterioration, recurrent hospitalisation and substantial socioeconomic and emotional burden on affected families. This study assessed the challenges associated with delayed cardiac surgery among children with CHD attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 75 children aged 0–18 years with echocardiographically confirmed CHD whose caregivers had been counselled for cardiac surgery. Participants were recruited consecutively from the paediatric cardiology clinic. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, clinical diagnosis, duration and perceived causes of surgical delay, clinical consequences, family impact and coping strategies were obtained using a structured proforma and medical record review. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27 and presented as frequencies, percentages, medians and interquartile ranges.