Parental Knowledge and Acceptance of Pediatric Lumbar Puncture in Northern Saudi Arabia: Implications for Clinical Practice and Education: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: Lumbar puncture (LP) remains a vital pediatric procedure for diagnosing neurological and systemic conditions. Despite its clinical significance, parental hesitation to authorize pediatric LP often impedes early diagnosis and care. This study aims to evaluate parental knowledge and attitudes regarding pediatric LP in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia, offering insights to inform targeted education strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and August 2025 using a validated online questionnaire distributed via social media. The survey captured sociodemographic data and assessed awareness and attitudes toward pediatric LP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with knowledge and consent. Results: Among 703 respondents, 60.6% were mothers and 95.6% were Saudi nationals. While 64.6% acknowledged the importance of aseptic technique, just 38.1% considered LP a safe practice. Knowledge levels were highest in parents aged 18-25 years (p < 0.001). Physician recommendation was the key factor in parental consent (87.0%), with 59.2% willing to approve the procedure following advice. Parents aged 26-35 years showed greater acceptance (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.02-2.32, p = 0.04), whereas those older than 46 years were less receptive (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30-0.86, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overall, parental knowledge regarding pediatric LP is limited. Targeted health education campaigns are needed to improve parental understanding of the procedure's safety, importance, and benefits.