Parental Awareness, Response, and Parent-Child Communication on Testicular Torsion: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sri Lanka

Background: Testicular torsion (TT) is an urological emergency that can lead to testicular loss if not promptly treated. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential but delays otien occur due to limited parental awareness. Assessing parental knowledge and responses is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.
Objectives: This study aimed to (1) assess parental awareness of TT within the Sri Lankan context, (2) identify parental responses to scrotal pain, (3) evaluate parent-child communication on testicular emergencies, and (4) examine associations between awareness and demographic factors such as education, occupation, and age.
Methods: cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Parents of male children atiending urology and general surgical clinics were included. Parents of children with TT, those with only female children, and individuals with communication disabilities were excluded. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Among the 260 surveyed parents, only 16.5% parents demonstrated awareness of TT, with awareness being significantly greater among those with higher education levels. When presented with scenarios involving scrotal pain, 54% opted to visit a hospital, 37% contacted a doctor, and 9% chose to wait for symptom resolution. A lack of knowledge and misinterpretation of symptoms were significant barriers identified.
Conclusion: Parental awareness of TT remains low, contributing to delayed care. Educational initiatives targeting parents and encouraging parent-child discussions are essential to improve early recognition and timely intervention.