Aetiology and Management of Congenital Club Foot: Evaluation of Perception of Mothers in Nnewi

Abstract

Background: Congenital Club foot (CF) also known as Congenital Talipes EquinoVarus deformity (CTEV) is a common congenital  deformity of the foot involving one or both feet. Numerous aetiologic hypotheses have evolved on how club foot develops. However,  research findings do not support any particular theory. Parents and care givers have given different interpretations to the cause of club  foot and this has, to a large extent influenced their careseeking attitude. It is therefore important to ascertain the knowledge and perception of mothers, in our environment, on the aetiology and management of club foot, thus necessitating this study in Nnewi.

Methodology: This is a cross sectional descriptive study involving pregnant women and mothers, who were consecutively recruited from  the antenatal and postnatal clinics, and the orthopaedicout patient clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi.  Information were obtained from them using an interviewer based structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical package version 20.IBM Illinois.

Results: One hundred and thirty women were recruited for the study. Most of them were educated with  up to 114 (87.7%) of them having either senior secondary or tertiary education as their highest educational level. Ninety of the  respondents (69.2%) had heard about club foot deformities and 20 (15.4%) of them, felt that club foot deformity was as a result of poor  delivery method. Up to 85 of the respondents (94.4%) had no perception about the cause of the deformity. Only 70 (53.8%) mothers felt that this problem could be treated.

Conclusion: This study has shown poor perception amongst women and mothers in our  environment, about the cause of club foot and its management. This may serve as a guide for public enlightenment.