Knowledge and Home Management of Febrile Convulsion among Mothers Attending Infant Welfare Clinics in Selected Primary Health Care Centres in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, febrile convulsion is one of the common paediatric crises in medical practice that is responsible for the increase  in morbidity and mortality rates among children under five. Meanwhile, a lack of understanding regarding the management and  prevention of febrile convulsions in children has caused many mothers to use risky, inadequate and unconventional medical care.

Aim:  This study, therefore, assessed the knowledge and home management practices of febrile convulsion among mothers in Ondo State,  Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive research design was utilized. The study was conducted in four selected Primary Health Centres in Owo  local government, Ondo State. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 125 respondents. Data was collected using an  adapted structured questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for  Social Sciences (SSPS) version 23. Results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested at a 0.05  level of significance.

Result: The study revealed a good knowledge level (60.0%) of febrile convulsion and its causes, poor perception of  febrile convulsion (54.4%), and an adequate practice level (77.6%) of home management practices for febrile convulsion treatment. Major  factors influencing the use of modern healthcare facilities were; distance from health facility and high cost of treatment. However, a  significant relationship was found between mothers’ knowledge and practices adopted in managing febrile convulsions at home (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Although, most participants showed a good understanding of febrile convulsions, however, some still have a poor  perception of it, therefore, healthcare professionals need to educate mothers on the warning signs and clarify misconceptions regarding  conventional medication to ensure appropriate home management of childhood convulsions.