Abstract
Background/aim: Febrile convulsions are a common paediatric problem world wide; they can be frightening, emotionally traumatic and anxiety provoking for parents. Appropriate knowledge and home management of febrile convulsion is needed to lessen the parental anxiety /apprehension.
Methodology: This study, a quasi-experimental design, was an assessment of the impact of health education on knowledge and home management of febrile convulsion amongst mothers in a rural community in North Western Nigeria. Fifty (50) mothers that met the eligibility criteria where selected. Structured interviewer administered questionnaire was administered to obtain data at pre- and post-intervention.
Results: Majority had Quoranic education only, were all of Islamic faith and not gainfully employed. Eighty eight percent (44) were married, eight percent (4) divorcees and four percent (2) widows. Proportion of study subjects with adequate knowledge of febrile convulsion at baseline was 4% and mean knowledge score of 35.3± 9.48 while, at post intervention it was 96.0% and 77.69 ± 10.75 respectively. At base line, 16% of the study subjects had appropriate home practice of febrile convulsion with mean score of 23.96% while, at post intervention it was 94.0% and 82.82% respectively.
Conclusion: Baseline knowledge and home practice of febrile convulsion was grossly inadequate amongst the mothers. There was a significant improvement for both knowledge and home practice of febrile convulsion after the intervention. Further interventions in the community are needed to sustain their knowledge and home practice of febrile convulsion.
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Onankpa, B., Oche, G. Assessment of Knowledge and Home Management of Febrile Convulsion Amongst Mothers in a Rural African Community. Pediatr Res 70 (Suppl 5), 196 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.421
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/pr.2011.421