Study on the correlation between abdominal infection and psychological stress in children based on nucleic acid detection

Abstract

Background: Diagnosing and treating abdominal infection in children remains a challenge. Nucleic acid detection, as a rapid and accurate diagnosis tool, has great significance in this field.

Aim: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal infection by nucleic acid detection and its possible correlation with psychological stress in children.

Methods: A total of 50 pediatric patients diagnosed with abdominal infections between September 2020 and July 2021 were included in this study. Intra-abdominal pus samples were collected for pathogen culture, drug susceptibility testing, and broad-spectrum bacterial nucleic acid testing. Psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and coping styles were assessed using the coping with a disease (CODI) scale.

Results: Based on susceptibility testing, a regimen of cefazoxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and metronidazole or ornidazole achieved 100% effectiveness in treating appendicitis. Psychological assessments revealed a positive correlation between pressure level and both anxiety (r = 0.324, P = 0.001) and depressive disorders (r = 0.325, P < 0.001). Acceptance and distancing as coping strategies were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression, while negative emotional responses were strongly associated with increased anxiety (r = 0.574, P < 0.001) and depression (r = 0.511, P = 0.001). Coping strategies such as illusion and escape showed no significant correlation with emotional outcomes.

Conclusion: Nucleic acid testing helps in the diagnosis of abdominal infections in children, and also focuses on children's mental health.

Keywords: Abdominal infection; Broad-spectrum bacterial nucleic acid detection; Children; Diagnosis and treatment; Psychological stress.