Main Article Content
Care seeking for illness in young children in Onitsha South East Nigeria
Abstract
Objectives: To determine (a) the duration of symptoms before a child is taken to hospital (b) the treatment options utilized before presentation to hospital, if any, (c) the reasons for (a) and (b).
Subjects and methods: 476 mother and child pairs presenting to a private children's hospital in Onitsha, South east Nigeria were interviewed.
Results: Out of 476 sick children aged 5 years and below, there were 272 males and 204 females, with 70% aged 2 years and below. There was a significant preponderance of boys over girls brought for treatment. Boys were brought to hospital earlier than girls. There severity of symptoms rather than the age of the child affected time of presentation. Majority of the mothers could recognize the signs of common childhood diseases. Half of the mothers came straight to hospital at the onset of illness in their children. Several forms of care were sought including home remedies, drug peddlers, traditional medications and treatment by a nurse or laboratory technician. There was a tendency for mothers to try various forms of care at the same time, without really sticking to any and getting the desired benefit. Finance, proximity, easy accessibility and beliefs determined mothers' therapeutic decisions.
Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and care- seeking practices need to be modified by appropriate health education. This would go a long way in reducing morbidity and mortality in young children.
Tropical Journal of Medical Research 2004;8(2): 53-59
Subjects and methods: 476 mother and child pairs presenting to a private children's hospital in Onitsha, South east Nigeria were interviewed.
Results: Out of 476 sick children aged 5 years and below, there were 272 males and 204 females, with 70% aged 2 years and below. There was a significant preponderance of boys over girls brought for treatment. Boys were brought to hospital earlier than girls. There severity of symptoms rather than the age of the child affected time of presentation. Majority of the mothers could recognize the signs of common childhood diseases. Half of the mothers came straight to hospital at the onset of illness in their children. Several forms of care were sought including home remedies, drug peddlers, traditional medications and treatment by a nurse or laboratory technician. There was a tendency for mothers to try various forms of care at the same time, without really sticking to any and getting the desired benefit. Finance, proximity, easy accessibility and beliefs determined mothers' therapeutic decisions.
Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and care- seeking practices need to be modified by appropriate health education. This would go a long way in reducing morbidity and mortality in young children.
Tropical Journal of Medical Research 2004;8(2): 53-59
