Caregivers perception of common neonatal illnesses and their management among rural dwellers in Enugu state, Nigeria: a qualitative study.

Autor: Chime OH; Department of Community Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria., Eneh CI; Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu State, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. zomafrank@yahoo.com., Asinobi IN; Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu State, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria., Ekwochi U; Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu State, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria., Ndu IK; Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu State, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria., Nduagubam OC; Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu State, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria., Amadi OF; Department of Paediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, PMB 1030, Enugu State, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria., Osuorah DC; Child Survival Unit, Medical Research Council Unit, UK, Fajara, Serrakumda, The Gambia.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: BMC public health [BMC Public Health] 2023 Apr 11; Vol. 23 (1), pp. 665. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Apr 11.
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15582-2
Abstrakt: Background: Neonatal mortality continues to be a challenge in Nigeria, where low-quality care, caregivers' ignorance of signs of neonatal illnesses, and prevalent use of unorthodox alternatives to health care predominate. Misconceptions originating and propagating as traditional practices and concepts can be linked to adverse neonatal outcomes and increased neonatal mortality. This study explores the perceptions of causes and management of neonatal illness among caregivers in rural communities in Enugu state, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study among female caregivers of children residing in rural communities in Enugu state. A total of six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted; three in each of the communities, using an FGD guide developed by the researchers. Using pre-determined themes, thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results: The mean age of respondents was 37.2 ± 13.5 years. Neonatal illnesses were reportedly presented in two forms; mild and severe forms. The common causes of the mild illnesses reported were fever, jaundice, eye discharge, skin disorders, and depressed fontanelle. The severe ones were convulsion, breathlessness/difficulty or fast breathing, draining pus from the umbilicus, and failure-to-thrive. The caregivers' perceptions of causes and management of each illness varied. While some believed these illnesses could be managed with unorthodox treatments, others perceived the need to visit health centers for medical care.
Conclusions: Caregivers' perception on the causes and management of common neonatal illnesses in these communities is poor. Obvious gaps were identified in this study. There is a need to design appropriate interventions to dispel the myths and improve the knowledge of these caregivers on neonatal illnesses towards adopting good health-seeking behaviours.
(© 2023. The Author(s).)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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