Behavioral characteristics of pediatric surgery patients and their parents and treatment planning during the closure period of the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the behavioral attitudes and diagnostic/interventional characteristics of the patients relatives who applied to our polyclinic during the closure period of COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between June and July 2020. All results were statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: Hundred and five (61.8%) male, 65 (38.2%) female patients who applied to our outpatient clinic. The median age was 2 years. A total of children came with their parents, and 99.4% were wearing masks. Although 93.5% of the parents were wearing their masks correctly. At least one of the additional protective outfits was used by 7.1% of parents. Forty (23.5%) parents adapted at least one of the health protective behaviors. About 52.4% of patients were not wearing masks; and 92.6% of masked people were wearing them correctly. Surgery was performed in 10.5% of the patients under general anesthesia.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The use of masks in children of working mothers and elderly fathers was increased; and correct use of masks in children was affected by the father’s professions. The use of additional health protective methods in patients in those who come by their own vehicle was decreased. In the rate of mask use as the child’s age gets older, they were found to be statistically significant parameters.