Authors : M.Chukwuocha Uche, O. Nwankwo Benjamin, N. Amadi Agwu, C. Esomonu Onyenonachi, I.N.S. Dozie, E. Ikegwuoha Aloy, O. Nwabueze Peter and O. Mbagwu Smart
Abstract: This study was done to explore the treatment seeking behaviour of mothers for their febrile children in the rural areas of Ezinihitte LGA of Imo State Nigeria. Data was obtained by interviewing 96 mothers with febrile children with pretested questionnaires elicited in Ibo language. Ten focus group discussions with mothers as well as observations were also carried out. A high score of mother’s knowledge and recognition of fever/malaria was recorded (70.8%). Mothers usually start treatment at home and within an average of three days shift to health workers or health personnel together with using health workers who visit patients at home. The majority of mothers with febrile children visit a health facility. The choice of visiting a health facility is determined by the availability and condition of health facilities, cost and satisfaction with services. As early effective treatment is the main theme of most control efforts, implementation of an effective malaria home management strategy is urgently needed to improve ongoing practices and achieve better results in endemic areas.
M.Chukwuocha Uche, O. Nwankwo Benjamin, N. Amadi Agwu, C. Esomonu Onyenonachi, I.N.S. Dozie, E. Ikegwuoha Aloy, O. Nwabueze Peter and O. Mbagwu Smart, 2009. Treatment Seeking Behaviour of Mothers for Febrile Children in Some Rural Parts of Imo State Nigeria: Implications for Home Management of Malaria in Endemic Areas. International Journal of Tropical Medicine, 4: 132-135.