Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parents towards paralytic poliomyelitis patients in Kano metropolis, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Paralytic poliomyelitis is a disabling disease known to be endemic in the northern part of Nigeria, especially Kano. Despite the WHO declaration to completely eradicate poliomyelitis globally, it has remained a challenge in this part of northern Nigeria. The persistence of the disease might be related to knowledge, attitude and beliefs of caregivers of patients with poliomyelitis. Aim : This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of parents and/or caregivers of children with paralytic poliomyelitis in Kano metropolis . Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out among 96 parents/caregivers of patients with paralytic poliomyelitis. Questionnaires were administered to the participants in the selected hospitals in Kano state. Results: The result of this study showed that 55(57.3%) of the caregivers had poor knowledge, 19 (19.8%) had fair knowledge and 22 (22.9%) had good knowledge on paralytic poliomyelitis. It was equally found out that 73 (76%) of the caregivers had a positive attitude while 23 (24%) had negative attitudes towards their children with paralytic poliomyelitis. Greater number of caregivers 56 (58.3%) had positive beliefs while 40 (41.7%) had negative beliefs about the condition. Conclusion: Despite the positive attitude and beliefs parents/caregivers of patients with paralytic poliomyelitis in Kano state had, they however, had a poor knowledge about it. There is therefore the need to carryout adequate awareness programme to educate parents/caregivers of patients with paralytic poliomyelitis in Kano metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria.