Browsing by Author "Asfa Elnour Mohammed Elfaki"

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    Care Seeking Behavior and Management of Malaria among Mothers of Under-5 Children in Damazin Locality Blue Nile State 2018
    (Al Neelain University, 2018) Asfa Elnour Mohammed Elfaki
    Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem and a common cause of death in the Sudan, as in other tropical countries. It remains one of the most important causes of child morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa with more than 80% of the population south of the Sahara are at risk of the disease. Objective: the overall objective of this study was to study care seeking behavior and management of malaria episodes for under-five children across Damāzīn locality in Blue Nile State to highlight the different efforts exerted to fight against under-five children morbidity and mortality. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Damāzīn Locality, Blue Nile State. Interviews were done with deliberately selected 443 mothers from each of the target Administrative units according to the number of families with under-5 children. Data was collected by Focus Group Discussion(29) mothers and fathers in Al-Hijrah, Tabūk and Al-Nīl areas in Abū Hashīm district were included. The purpose of these Focus Group Discussions was to ascertain the perceptions, beliefs and illness experiences about malaria in under-5 children. Checklist observation was also used to validate the mothers’ behavior. The study was carried out in two phases, using both qualitative and quantitative tools for collecting data. The data were collected, processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences programme - version 15. Results: (38.6%) of mother’s knew the main signs and symptoms of malaria, (37%) of mothers stated that convulsion was the most serious complication of malaria among under-five children. As for their knowledge about the causes of malaria, (10.4%) knew the causes. Concerning erroneous traditions, habits and beliefs, (19.2%) of the mothers left their children at home without medical care and with the use of traditional medicines and 70% use home compounds until their children’s health conditions deteriorate. Roughly (50%) of the respondent mothers believe that analgesics affected the result of Blood Film for Malaria, 30.1% of mothers delayed their child management due to inaccessibility to the health facility.39.8% of mothers with low income completed managing their children.40.1% of mothers with low income was nor, gave their children nutritional supplementary.83% of mothers in focus group discussions had just waited until the child health deteriorated. Conclusion: most of the respondents participated in delaying management due to their lack of sufficient knowledge regarding malaria signs, symptoms and treatment, and going through many options before consulting health providers. Furthermore, the low level of education, low family income, and remoteness from health facilities, habits, culture and traditions were the main factors staining mother’s practices. Most of the respondents had negative beliefs regarding the first aid of fever. Recommendations: importance of raising mother’s awareness regarding knowledge about malaria episode, complication and best management. Enhancing and encouraging collaboration and integration in malaria management.