Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers attending Primary Healthcare Facilities in South-east Nigeria towards Prevention of Childhood Anaemia

Abstract

Studies carried out in the past have shown that the incidence and prevalence of childhood anaemia in Enugu, south-east Nigeria, is high despite various intervention programs carried out in the past by the Federal government to reduce the prevalence. A cross-sectional study investigating knowledge, attitude and practices was carried out among the mothers of reproductive age 15-49 attending Abakpa health centre located in Abakpa district, Enugu, South East Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty-nine mothers attending Abakpa health centre consented and participated in the study. The sample was selected using the purposive sample method. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Analysis of the data was done using a statistical package for social science software (SPSS) version 23.0. Analysis of the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their children was done, evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices of the participants towards childhood anaemia was done. They revealed that the majority of the participant had heard about childhood anaemia in the past. However, they still indulged in wrong practices and negligence that can lead to childhood anaemia. The majority of the participants do not practice exclusive breastfeeding, malaria chemoprophylaxis and good hygiene, which is one the major preventive measures for childhood anaemia. The study also revealed there is a positive moderate correlation between knowledge and practice using Pearson (r) correlation at 0.649 and there is no significant level between knowledge and practice at 0.236. Reduction in childhood anaemia can be achieved if proper training and enlightenment programs are organized for mothers, which help to close the knowledge gap that will result in better practices and reduction in the incidence of childhood anaemia in Enugu.