Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Neonatal Jaundice among Community Health Workers in Southern Nigeria
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 11
Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge of community Health Workers (CHWs) on neonatal jaundice (NNJ), exploring their perceptions, knowledge and practices. Study Design: It was a cross sectional study of randomly selected CHWs who were attending a child health workshop in Southern Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out during a workshop in Yenegoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Methods: Simple structured questionnaires were distributed to all health workers who gave consent to participate in the study. These were retrieved by the authors as soon as they were filled. Information obtained included biodata, length of practice, knowledge of causes, complications and management of NNJ. Results: There were 200 participants, 91 males and 109 females giving a male to female ratio of 1: 1.2. The mean duration of service was 6.01±4.97 years. 191 (95%) had fair to adequate knowledge of description of NNJ. However only about 25% of respondents had good knowledge of its causes. Antibiotics and glucose water were perceived by 60.4% and 37.5% of CHWs as useful drugs in the management of NNJ, while 82% would recommend sunlight as effective treatment. Work experience was significantly associated with knowledge of the use of EBT and phototherapy in the treatment of NNJ with those less than 5 years having better knowledge than the older ones. Conclusion: CHWs may recognize NNJ but knowledge on causes and treatment is inadequate and may cause potential delays in referral for effective treatment. There is need for regular training and re-training of health workers to ensure effective management and reduce the complications of NNJ.
Authors and Affiliations
P. I. Opara, B. A. Alex-Hart, D. A. Dotimi
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP343400
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2014/13024
- Views 68
- Downloads 0
An Assessment of Immune Response to Canine Distemper Vaccination in Dogs Experimentally Infected with Ancylostoma and Trypanosome Parasites
The immunological alteration in vaccinated dogs with single hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum (A. c) and conjunct infection with Trypanosoma congolense (T. c) and Trypanosoma brucei (T. b) was determined. Sixteen dogs groupe...
Avoidance of Junk Food during Pregnancy, Lactation and Early Years of Child Life: A Step towards the Prevention of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder which leads to a myriad of psychiatric and stoical consequences. Aim: Analyze the relationship between junk food and soft drin...
Childhood Cerebral Malaria in Nigeria: Clinical Features, Treatment and Outcome
Aims: The study aimed at reviewing the clinical features, treatment and outcome of childhood cerebral malaria in a Nigerian health facility, to improve its management and outcome. Study Design: It is a retrospective stud...
Socio – economic Factors Influencing Utilization of Healthcare Services in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria
The objective of equity in health care system is “equal access for equal needs” and there should be no barriers to healthcare utilization. The objective of the study was to assess the socio – economic factors influencing...
Usefulness of Various Biomarkers for the Differentiation of Bacterial from Viral Meningitis
Background and Aim: Meningitis is an emergency condition, particularly bacterial meningitis for young and elderly patients. Differentiation between septic and aseptic meningitis may be difficult, the search for biochemic...