Factors Leading to Delay in Surgical Treatment of Paediatric Congenital Heart Diseases in Rural Western India – A Hospital-Based Study.

Abstract

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) account for 28% of birth defects in India. Treatment options and long-term outcomes have significantly improved over the past six decades. However, there is a notable delay in diagnosing CHD and initiating treatment for diagnosed patients. This study seeks to identify factors influencing the treatment timing of CHDs in paediatric patients residing in rural areas of India.

Methodology: Cross-sectional survey. The study uses descriptive statistics and chi-square tests for comparing categorical data between groups to identify factors contributing to delays.

Results: A total of 115 patients were enrolled. Ventricular septal defect was the most prevalent diagnosis (40 patients), followed by Tetralogy of Fallot (23 patients). 47 % of patients experienced delayed diagnosis, while 69% experienced delayed treatment. Notably, the severity of delayed treatment was more pronounced in acyanotic heart diseases compared to cyanotic heart diseases. Financial constraints were cited as the primary reason for delayed treatment in 27.8% of cases, while social factors were the most common reason for delayed treatment despite diagnosis in the remaining 72.2%.

Conclusion: Despite substantial government financial support for treatment and diagnosis, further delays in treatment remain significant. Social factors, other than economic factors, appear to be the primary contributors to these delays. Sample size and in-hospital study limitations are acknowledged.