Health Seeking Behaviour of Caregivers of Under-Fives during Episodes of Acute Respiratory Infection in an Urban Community in Edo State

Abstract

Background: Early recognition of symptoms and signs of acute respiratory infection by caregivers at home and reporting quickly in a health centre is key to a favourable outcome during episodes of acute respiratory infection in underfives. However, several variables may determine early or late presentation in the hospital.
Objective: To determine the level of awareness concerning acute respiratory infection among caregivers. To assess the pattern of and determinants of health seeking behaviour of caregiver of under-five children with acute respiratory infection in Edaiken Community, Benin City, Edo State.
Method: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was carried out in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. A multi-staged, sampling technique was used to select the caregivers. Data collection was by a pretested researcher administered questionnaire.
Results: Of the 346 caregivers that participated in this study, 293 (84.7%) were mothers. The respondents were predominantly in the age range 21 – 30 years which was 191 (55.2%). Those with secondary education were majority with 214 (61.8%). Majority of the mothers were in the middle economic class, 199 (57.5%). Of the 346 caregivers, 337 (97.4%) agreed that they have heard of ARI. Concerning health seeking behaviour, 121 (35.0%) will visit a health facility, 297 (85.8%) will buy drugs in the chemist, 192 (55.5%) will treat at home with native remedies. The higher the educational level of the caregiver the higher the proportion of those with good health seeking behaviour.
Conclusion: Caregiversin Edaiken community had high level of awareness. Majority of the caregivers exhibited poor health seeking behaviour, majority preferred to buy drugs in the patent medicine stores during acute respiratory infection episodes.