Maternal knowledge, attitude and practices regarding childhood acute respiratory infections in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of paediatric mortality and morbidity, particularly when associated with delays in treatment. A study of mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding ARI in their children aged less than 5 years was conducted in an urban Ghanaian population. One hundred and forty-three women traders were interviewed in open air markers in Kumasi, Ghana. Based on Western standards, there was a poor maternal understanding of the aetiology of ARI. A variety of herbal and home care therapies, including some which have potentially harmful effects, were routinely employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of ARI. For example, castor oil and enemas (25.9%) were reported as agents to prevent ARI, and antibiotics were prescribed by the parents in 39.9% for treating coughs. While the mothers exhibited an understanding of symptoms which differentiate between mild and severe ARI, a substantial number indicated that they would delay accessing a health care facility in the presence of the following symptoms which signify severe respiratory distress: dyspnoea (11.2%); tachypnoea (18.9%); chest retraction (21.7%); cough, fever and anorexia (30.0%); and cough, fever and lethargy (57.3%). These findings support the need for an ARI health education programme in Ghana.

PIP: At the two largest open air markets in Kumasi, Ghana, interviews were conducted with 143 women who had at least one child aged less than five years. Researchers wanted to examine their knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children. The women tended to be married, Christian, from the Ashanti tribe, aged 20-29 years, and to have 2-3 living children. 73.4% had a child or children who had suffered from cough and fever within the last six months. 73.4% named exposure to cold as a direct cause of cough. Many women incorrectly blamed worm infestation for causing cough and fever (21%) and constipation for causing cough (25.9%). None mentioned pathogens as a cause of cough and fever. None said that good ventilation and avoidance of overcrowding prevent cough and fever. The more serious the symptoms, the more likely the mothers were to seek treatment at a health care facility (e.g., cough only, 0.7%; cough and fever, 6.3%; cough, fever, and anorexia, 30%; and cough, fever, and lethargy, 57.3%). Common home care practices for treating a runny nose included ephedrine or other types of nasal drops, herbal medicines, antipyretics, and antibiotics. 39.9% would use antibiotics to treat coughs. Honey and cough syrup were often used to treat cough and fever. Some herbal and home care therapies had potentially harmful effects. For example, 25.9% said that they used castor oil and enemas to prevent ARI. The women had an acceptable knowledge score on severity of symptoms (mode = 15/20; range = 11-18). These findings indicate a need for a health education program targeting mothers of children aged less than five years.