Parental refusal of medical care
Ahmad, S.H.; Sharma, S.K.; Siddiqui, A.Q.; Sultana, M.
Indian Pediatrics 22(11): 835-839
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3836985 Document Number: 256472
31 of the 304 patients i.e., 10.2% attending pediatric services refused medical treatment. LAMA (left against medical advice) rate during the period of study was found to be 7.2%. Lack of awareness about the illness, child rejection, distance from place living and problem about the care of other siblings and members of family left at home have a significant bearing on LAMA. Financial constraints is yet another significant factor favoring this decision. While the type of family, socio-economic status and educational level of the parents and the sex and birth order of the patient have no significant bearing on the decision to take away the child against medical advice.