Impact of Pediatric Tonsillectomy on Parental Quality of Life, Stress, and Work Absenteeism: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Objectives:
The main cause of tonsillectomy, a popular surgical operation in children, is recurrent tonsillitis. Despite its proven clinical effectiveness in lowering infections, little is known about its wider effects on parents' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to compare the quality of life, stress levels, and work absenteeism of parents before and after their kid underwent tonsillectomy.

Materials and Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 35 parents, 70% of whom were mothers, of children having tonsillectomy participated. The PARADISE criteria for recurrent tonsillitis were satisfied by every child. The PedsQL Family Impact Module was used to evaluate parental quality of life both before and one month after surgery. A 10-point Likert scale was used to measure stress levels, and information on missed workdays as a result of child illness was gathered. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) and statistical significance were computed. SPSS version 26 was used to conduct the analysis.

Results:
Parental QoL levels significantly improved after surgery; the total PedsQL score rose from 50.2 to 72.9 (p < 0.001, Cohen's d = 1.62). Large effect sizes were observed in all subdomains, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical functioning. Missed workdays dropped from 4.3 to 1.8 days (p < 0.001), and parental stress levels dramatically fell from 8.2 to 4.8 (p < 0.001, d = -2.89). Mothers gained somewhat more QoL than fathers (+24.1 vs. +21.3), according to subgroup analysis.

Conclusion:
In addition to easing the children's health burden, tonsillectomy improves parental quality of life, lowers stress levels, and decreases absenteeism from work. These results highlight the wider advantages for families of prompt surgical treatment for recurrent tonsillitis in children.