DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.5
Corresponding Author: pharmorok@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Childhood fever is often an early symptom of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Early detection and appropriate management of childhood fever is critical, given its association with malaria which has a high mortality risk in children aged under 5 years old.
Objectives: This survey assessed the sociodemographic factors that influence caregivers' knowledge and health seeking practices for childhood fever in Southern Nigeria.
Method: This cross-sectional study involved a twostaged sampling of caregivers in four communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed descriptively with Chi square test and logistic regression used to assess the relationship between respondents' knowledge and key socio-demographic variables.
Results: This study involved 275 caregivers (mean age: 33years, min-max: 21–52years) with the majority (N=155, 56%) educated up to tertiary level. Only 23% of the respondents correctly identified childhood fever temperature and those with tertiary education were more likely to have this knowledge (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.01–2.71, P=0.04). About 26% (N=70) measured their child's temperature using a thermometer while the majority employed tactile methods that have been shown to be non-specific in fever diagnosis. About 76% of the respondents correctly identified the causes of childhood fever, however this knowledge was not predicted by respondents' age, marital status or level of education (p > 0.05). Home management with previous dose of antipyretic and/or antimalarial drugs was common (N=103, 53%) with a potential for under-dosing. Only about a third (N=78, 28%) of the respondents would either visit a hospital or a pharmacy prior to initiating pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions and this was only associated with caregivers' age (OR= 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21–0.66, P<0.01). Conclusion: These findings show poor overall knowledge of childhood fever and its management. The findings demonstrate the need for health promotion activities tailored for caregivers across the various demographics represented in the community. Keywords: Fever, Childhood, Children under 5s, Caregivers, Nigeria, Health Promotion Download PDF