Health Education Of Mothers Research Articles

A Ten-Year Review of Neonatal Tetanus Seen in a Tertiary Health Facility in Sokoto North-Western Nigeria: Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background: Neonatal tetanus (NNT) remains among the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among neonates in Nigeria. Nigeria remains among the countries carrying the global NNT burden. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have predicted that the pandemic will significantly impact on the health system globally, and low-resource countries where vaccination programs fared even worse are likely to see a surge in vaccine-preventable diseases during and after COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: To determine the prevalence, yearly trend, risk factors, and outcome of NNT cases seen in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, Nigeria over a ten year period: before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a retrospective study. Data was retrieved from all the case notes of neonates admitted with a clinical diagnosis of NNT into the SCBU of the UDUTH, Sokoto from 1st January, 2013 to 31st December, 2022. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: During the 10 years period of the study, NNT accounted for 0.4% of admissions. The majority 15(57.0%) of the mothers of the neonates with NNT were from rural areas, 15(56.0%) had no antenatal care (ANC), and only 10(37.0%) of the mothers received vaccination against tetanus. All the mothers were from lower socio-economic classes. Most 17(63.0%) of the neonates were delivered at home by traditional birth attendants. The umbilical cord was the portal of entry in 26(96.0%) of cases, while 1(4.0%) followed traditional uvulectomy. Cord care was done using hot water fermentation in more than half of the neonates 17(63.0%), while only 1(4.0%) of the mothers used chlorhexidine gel for cord care. The case- fatality rate was 6(22.0%). the yearly trend showed an increased incidence of NNT admissions in 2022. Conclusion: The study showed that NNT is still a public health problem, with an increased scourge during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be tackled through health education of mothers via mass media, improving the quality and access to ANC services, tetanus toxoid vaccination, hospital delivery and avoidance of traditional uvulectomy particularly in rural areas by the Sokoto state government. Antenatal and vaccination services should be given priority in response to future pandemics to sustain gains of the SDG 3.

Implementasi Peraturan Bupati Aceh Tengah Nomor 14 Tahun 2018 Tentang Penurunan Stunting Melalui Edukasi Kesehatan Ibu Dan Calon Ibu Di Desa Wih Sagi Indah

Stunting is the failure of a child to grow and develop optimally due to the impact of cumulative and continuous malnutrition. Or chronic nutritional problems where families and communities do not yet feel that this is a problem, this is because not many people know the causes, impacts and prevention. The central and regional governments are jointly trying to overcome this problem. The Regional Government of Central Aceh Regency is also trying to resolve this problem with the various policies it has adopted. Gajah Putih University's Thematic Real Work Lecture (KKNT) which is placed in Wih Sagi Indah Village, Silih Nara District, Central Aceh Regency tries to take part in preventing the problem of stunting through the implementation of Central Aceh Regent's regulation Number 14 of 2018 through Health Education for Mothers and Prospective Mothers as an effort to Prevent Stunting Problems in Wih Sagi Indah Village, Silih Nara District, Central Aceh Regency, aimed at mothers who have toddlers and mothers who are pregnant. It is hoped that with this activity the public's understanding of health can increase and stunting sufferers can decrease, so that the desire to create a healthy, intelligent and superior society can be achieved.

Health Education for Mothers With Stunting Toddlers About Supplementary Feeding (PMT) in RW 01 Wetan City Village Sub-District Garut Kota

Stunting is not a minor issue; according to World Bank study, losses owing to stunting range between 3 and 11% of GDP. Economic losses due to stunting in Indonesia are projected to be Rp. 300 T-Rp. 1,210 T per year, with a GDP of Rp. 11000 trillion. The money lost is due to the government having to spend additional funds on noncommunicable disease health insurance and addressing stunting instances. Education's goal is to increase knowledge and support stunting prevention behavior in order to lower stunting rates and prevent the appearance of new stunting cases. Learn more about the challenges faced by the residents of RW 01 Babakan Abid Wetan City in their attempts to avoid and overcome stunting. The lecture technique, question and answer, discussion, and demonstration are all used. The health counseling efforts resulted in roughly 33 women with toddlers. When the content was presented, the therapy participants appeared ecstatic. Participants happily participated in the therapy because it was done in an entertaining way. The counselling activity was beneficial since the participants paid close attention to the information offered. This is demonstrated by the amount of participants that want to answer questions during the question and answer session. Participants willingly participated in the counselling because it was done in a nice face-to-face setting. The counseling activity was beneficial since the participants paid close attention to the information offered regarding Supplementary feeding to prevent stunting.

Contraceptive Practices among Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding women should have access to family planning information and services to help them select a method of birth control that allows them to support breastfeeding and is safe for the breastfeeding child. The study aimed to evaluate the practices of various contraceptive methods among mothers who were breastfeeding. A descriptive-analytic design was conducted for breastfeeding mothers from the period of 12 February to 28 October 2021. To give equal chances to participate, the probability simple randomization technique was applied for selecting (800) postnatal breastfeeding mothers attending the immunization unit in Primary Health Centers in Sulaimani City. Overall items included in the questionnaire were in two parts: part one General and specific information about breastfeeding mothers' concerns, and the response to the characteristics of socio-demographic variables and obstetric status. Part two was contraceptive practices. The data were collected through the use of interviews and then analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis. Common contraceptives used among breastfeeding mothers were natural contraception (62.5%), condoms (17.5%), ICUD (5.0%), oral contraceptives (3.5%), and breastfeeding (11.5%). A high percentage of breastfeeding mothers used contraceptives and only ten percent of mothers were using breastfeeding for contraception. A significant difference was found between socio-demographic data and practice contraception and resumption of menstrual after delivery. According to the findings of the study, a focus on health education for mothers should be established, and the nurse should take on the role of contraceptive method educator.

BEDNAR’S APHTHAE IN INFANTS IN DUHOK; A PROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background 
 Bednar’s aphthae are small shallow ulcers at the margin of the palate of newborns. They primarily result from the traumatic action of a bottle teat or the nipple of the mother’s breast during feeding. More recently, an immune process has been hypothesized to explain its pathogenesis.
 Objectives 
 To study the clinical features, the associated factors, and the time of healing of Bednar’s aphthae in Duhok. 
 Patients and Methods
 This study was conducted from January 1st, 2020, to February 1st, 2021. It enrolled 17 newborns and infants diagnosed with Bednar’s aphthae through clinical examination while undergoing routine health checkups. Information about sex, delivery mode, age, birth weight, gestational age, perinatal problems, feeding method, feeding habits, type of milk (formula, breast milk, or both), and using a pacifier or not were obtained from mothers through direct interviews. Through the use of a tongue depressor, the palate was visualized. In addition, parents were educated on how to posture the patient while feeding properly. Four weeks later, a follow-up visit was for the ulcers’ course follow-up.
 Results
 Male is the predominant gender. Vaginal delivery was the most common. All the participants were full-term with normal birth weights. The age at which diagnosis was made ranged from 14 to 60 days. Most of them were formula-fed. In 15 patients (88.23%), feeding was in a horizontal posture; 11 (64.7%%) had weak sucking, 10(58.82%) had prolonged feeding time, and 13(76.47%) used pacifiers. The location is marginal in 12 cases (70.58%). The shape was oval in 13 patients (76.47%), and the healing time ranged from 1 week to 4 weeks. The largest ulcer was 2x2 cm, and the smallest was 0.2x0.3 cm. 
 Conclusion
 Bednar’s aphthae are self-limiting disorders in newborns and infants. Mechanical and immunologic factors can be responsible for their pathogenesis. Health education for mothers can help the healing of the ulcers and prevent their recurrence.

Burns in children and relation with some variables in Al Diwaniya city

Afield study aimed to identify the burns in children and relation with some variables such as Age , sex , order of child in the family , education level of motherThe sample of the study involved (50) case of burn from Al-Diwaniya educational hospital for the period 1 / 6 / 2008 – 30 / 11 / 2008 Data were collected by special questionnaire designed for purpose of the study and analyzed by using frequency distribution and relative frequency. The result of the study revealed that 34% of children were Toddlers, male more than female (54%) , (58%) of children were intermediate order in family. 50% of mothers were illiterate 70% of burns were fires, 50% the degree of burn of 20% , 48% of mothers were removed the clothes of burn child and put ointment. The study recommends about follow the toddlers children and health education of mothers about true first aids of burns.

Effect of checklist based box system interventions on improving institutional delivery among reproductive age women in Northwest Ethiopia: generalized structural equation modeling

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that there is low utilization of institutional delivery in Ethiopia, as well as various factors contributing to this low utilization. Notably, there is paucity around interventions to improve institutional delivery. Hence, this study examines the effectiveness of checklist-based box system intervention on improving institutional delivery and to investigate the association through which the intervention is linked to institutional delivery.MethodThe study used data from a larger trial, on the effectiveness of checklist-based box system intervention on improving maternal health service utilization. In the intervention arm, mothers received regular community-level pregnancy screening and referral, service utilization monitoring boxes, drop-out tracing mechanisms, regular communication between health centers and health posts, and person-centered health education for mothers. This study used the existing government-led maternal health program as a control arm. A total of 1062 mothers who gave birth one-year before the survey were included in the final analysis. A difference-in-difference estimator was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct and/ indirect associations between the intervention and institutional delivery.ResultAmong participants, 403 (79.5%) mothers from intervention and 323 (58.2%) mothers from control clusters gave birth at health facilities. The result of the study revealed a 19% increase in institutional delivery in the intervention arm (19, 95%CI: 11.4-27.3%). In this study the pathway from checklist-based box system intervention to institutional delivery was mainly direct - (AOR = 3.32, 95%CI: 2.36-4.66), however, 33% of the effect was partially mediated by attendance of antenatal care four visits (AOR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.02-1.92). The influence of significant others (AOR = 0.25, 95%CI: 0.15-0.43) and age (AOR = 0.03, 95%CI: 0.01- 0.09) had an inverse relation with institutional delivery.ConclusionThe implementation of a checklist-based box system significantly increased institutional delivery utilization, both directly and indirectly by improving antenatal care four attendance. A larger-scale implementation of the intervention was recommended, taking the continuum of care approach into account.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03891030, Retrospectively registered on 26 March, 2019.

Inequities in childhood anaemia at provincial borders in Mozambique: cross-sectional study results from multilevel Bayesian analysis of 2018 National Malaria Indicator Survey

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the child-level, maternal-level, household-level and community-level determinants of anaemia among children aged 6–59 months, and determine the inequities of anaemia prevalence across communities in Mozambique.DesignCross-sectional...

Stunting Amongst Pakistani Children Under Five: Status of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Workers at Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centers in Raiwind, Lahore

Background: One of the major public health problem amongst children of Pakistan is lack of proper nutrition. Health care workers (HCWs) at primary level have a pivotal role in promoting good nutrition. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers regarding stunting in under five children, at Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centers of Raiwind, Lahore. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study including all HCWs (15 doctors and 15 nurses) in the selected 3 Rural Health Centers (RHC) and 9 Basic Health Units (BHU) in Raiwind, Lahore, from March 2019 to March 2020. A structured questionnaire was used for assessing Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of HCWs regarding stunting in children under- five. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, P-values (p ≤ 0.05) were considered to see if the difference is statistically significant between doctors and nurses. Results: The HCWs’ mean percent score of doctors versus nurses, for knowledge related to major childhood illnesses was 48±22 vs 46±21, common nutritional problems 35±19 vs 26±16, and nutritional assessment methods 22±12 vs 42±23, in children under 5 years was found to be suboptimal. Total mean percent score for HCW ‘practices regarding health education of mothers was below 50 i-e 46±16 vs 40±18 in doctors vs nurses. The practice regarding breast feeding was higher 65±20 in nurses. All the doctors and 11 (73%) nurses reported correct practice regarding iron and folic acid supplementation to pregnant mothers. Conclusion: Despite having positive attitude towards stunting, HCWs’ had suboptimal knowledge and practice score in most of the items.

Exclusive Breast feeding in the 21st Century: a Roadmap to success in South Asia

Background: Exclusive breast feeding is a simple, cost-effective and life-saving intervention for the health of an infant. Despite its undisputable benefits, in past two decades, exclusive breast feeding rates have not improved much globally. Among the South Asian countries, some are raising the bars and some are still struggling to meet the target for reaching sustainable development goal. So this review was planned to understand their situation and how to improve further for establishment of successful exclusive breast feeding.
 Main Body: On simple review of different literatures on exclusive breast feeding in South Asia, it was observed that the rate widely varies among the countries due to cultural and societal differences, women empowerment, illiteracy, maternal care practices, policy and program implementation and many other modifiable factors. Given the compelling evidence on the positive impacts of breast feeding, some integrated approaches are required involving policy makers, ensuring community participation and family centered counseling, providing health education for mothers and establishment of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiatives.
 Conclusion: Experiences from successful neighboring countries can guide the other countries of South Asia to plan their roadmap. Moreover, further dissemination and scaling up of existing programs on exclusive breast feeding can help to achieve the desired target for Sustainable Development Goal.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(4) 2021 p.725-731

Knowledge of Malaria and Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Nets amongst Mothers of Under-five Children in selected Rural Communities of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory

Background: Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by the plasmodium parasite and women and under-five children are more prone to its adverse consequences. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is recommended to reduce malaria burden in endemic communities. The study aimed to determine knowledge of malaria and utilization of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) amongst mothers of under-five children in rural communities of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and the predictors.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional design was used. Multi-stage sampling method was used to select 160 mothers of under-five children in two rural communities. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software version 22.0 and level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of < 0.05.Results: Mean age of respondents was 29.0±5.4 years, and majority 144 (90%) of the women were married. Lower proportion of respondents had good knowledge of malaria 33 (20.6%). Ninety-four (58.8%) of respondents owned ITNs, but less than half 45 (47.9%) utilized the nets. Predictors of good knowledge of malaria were having attained tertiary education [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR); 2.7, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.1–8.1], p=0.042, and being self-employed, (AOR; 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1-13.1), p=0.043). Predictor of utilization of ITNs was being aged 30 years and above (AOR; 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1-6.1, p=0.031).Conclusion: Lower proportions of respondents had good knowledge of malaria and utilization of ITNs. Health education of mothers on malaria and benefits of ITNs use should be intensified in the study area.

Factors associated with the uptake of immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD) in Rwanda: a mixed methods study

BackgroundRwanda has a high unmet need for family planning which could be reduced by improving access to postpartum intrauterine contraceptives device (PPIUCD) insertion. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the uptake of PPIUCD among postpartum women in Muhima Hospital.MethodsA concurrent mixed-method study was used. Three hundred eight three (383) immediate postpartum mothers, and 10 health services providers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews respectively. Logistics regression was done to assess for factors associated with PPIUCD uptake and thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.ResultsThe prevalence for PPIUCD use was 28.1%, women who had spontaneous vaginal delivery were more likely to take up PPIUCD (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.623, 95% CI = 2.017–6.507 compared to those who had cesarean section; women who received PPIUCD counselling during the antenatal period were more likely to use PPIUCD ((AOR 2.072, 95% CI = 1.018–4.218) as compared to those who didn’t receive any form of counselling; mothers who received spouse approval were more likely to use PPIUCD (AOR 2.591,95% CI = 1.485–4.492); as compared to those who didn’t receive any spousal approval; women who had more than one child were more likely to use PPIUCD (AOR =2.265, 95% CI = 1.472–3.163) as compared to prime gravida; Mothers with birth to pregnancy interval less than two years were more likely to use PPIUCD (AOR =2.123, CI =1.477–2.706) as compared to those who had birth to pregnancy interval more than 2 years. From the qualitative findings, health education of mothers and partners on PPIUCD, training of health care providers, and availability of supplies to provide PPIUCD influenced the use of PPIUCD.ConclusionThe acceptability to use for PPIUCD was high in this population. PPIUCD uptake was associated with normal birth, PPIUCD counselling, spousal approval, parity, birth interval, level of education. Health education of mothers and partners on PPIUCD, training of health providers, and availability of supplies to provide PPIUCD influenced uptake of PPIUCD.

Nurses’ Role in Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness among Pregnant Women in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar

Background: Birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) promotes timely information and utilization of skilled health attendance/services to pregnant women to prevent complications due to 3 delays that lead to maternal deaths. Objective: To determine nurses’ role in birth preparedness and complication readiness among pregnant women in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar. Methods: This study adopted a survey research design. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 80 participants working in antenatal clinic, antenatal ward, gynecological ward, labour ward, postnatal ward, and Family planning unit. Data were collected using self-administered structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and Pearson Moment Product Correlation Coefficient statistical methods of data analysis. Results: Findings of the study revealed that 53 (66.3%) of the respondents acknowledged nurse/midwives responsibility for the health education of mothers on dangers of pregnancy while 42 (52.5%) strongly agreed that nurses/midwives carry out discussion on plan for delivery with mothers. The study hypothesized that there is no significant relationship between the role of nurse/midwives and the practice of BPCR among pregnant women. The correlational analysis result that there is no revealed (r-cal = 0.67, r-crit = 0.58, df = 79, P > 0.05) thus rejecting the hypothesis statement as r-calculated was greater than r-critical. This implies that the role of nurse/midwives have very strong positive relationship with the practice of BPCR among pregnant women. Conclusion: Positive pregnancy outcome depends on nurse/midwives independent and interdependent roles to prevent delays, emergencies, have access to skilled care.

The effectiveness of simulation health education to mother breastfeeding skill between two groups in rural area of Riau, Indonesia

To evaluate the effect of health education by simulation for improving breastfeeding mother's skill in rural area in Riau. This study was quasi experimental posttest-only control design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 26 mothers who have breastfeeding experience in Posyandu (child and mothers health post) in Perambahan village as rural area in Riau, Indonesia. Thirteen respondents as intervention group and 13 respondents as control group in this study. Two weeks after implementing the breastfeeding educational through simulation technique in the intervention group, observed checklist to assess mother skill was completed by researcher. Fifty-three point eight percent of respondents were 20-35 years old, 80.8% mothers education level were low education in junior and senior high school level and 96.2% of them did not have any formal job outside at the home. There was a significant of mean difference in the breastfeeding mother's skill between intervention and control groups, 7.0 and 4.5 respectively (p<0.01). Health education technique was important thing to increase the breastfeeding mother's skill. The simulation is appropriate as one of the methods in health education for mothers.

Evaluation of Intussusceptions in Under - Five Children in Aba Nigeria

Background: Intussusception remains a common cause of intestinal obstruction in infants and children. The operative treatment remains the main stay of treatment due to late presentation, long referral chain, paucity of knowledge about the disease condition by midwife and doctors. This study is intended to ascertain the pattern of presentation, management and outcome. Method: This is a prospective study of 48 children that was managed for intussusceptions at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital from November 2016 t0 November 2018. Structured proforma was opened for demography, clinical presentation, investigation, treatment modalities and outcome. Data was analysed using SPSS version 17 for proportions and percentages. Results: There were 24 boys and 24 girls aged 3 months to 13 months with a mean of 8months. The median duration of symptoms onset and presentation was 4 days {1 day to 14days}. Thirty-six patients {75%} presented after 48hours of onset of symptoms. A classic triad {bilious vomiting, bloody mucoid stool and abdominal mass} was present in over 40 patients {83%}. Ten patients did not pass bloody mucoid stool. Thirty patients {62.5%} had predisposing factors which included gastroenteritis and/or respiratory tract infection. 8 patients had hydrostatic saline reduction under ultrasound with success in six patients. Forty-two patients were operated {40 patients primarily and 2 patients following failed hydrostatic reduction}. Twenty-eight patients had resection and anatomises of ileocolic segment due to gangrenous bowel. Fourteen patients had manual reduction of intussuception with healthy bowel. Mortality was 8.3% {4 patients} from overwhelming sepsis and respiratory distress. Twenty patients had surgical site infection and 4 patients had incisional hernias. Conclusion: Late presentation was high in this series, however, emphasis on health education of mothers during antenatal visit that passage bloody mucoid stool by their child needs evaluation by a paediatrician will reduce late presentation morbidity and mortality in our patients.

Knowledge of Causes, Management and Prevention of Childhood Diarrhoea among Nursing Mothers in Two Selected Primary Health Centers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Diarrhoea is widely recognized as a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in many developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of causes, management and prevention of diarrhoea among nursing mothers of under-two children in two selected primary health centers in Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo state. A descriptive non-experimental research design was used for the study. One hundred and sixty nursing mothers were selected from the two primary health centers. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from participants while descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data on the objectives.The study findings revealed that majority (89.4%) of respondents have heard of diarrhoea before, many of them (45%) had it from health centers and (10.6%) from past experience of diarrhoea occurrence. Majority (78.1%) of respondents had knowledge of diarrhoea, having been able to define what diarrhoea is in their own perspective and were able to identify some causes of diarrhoea. Over half (63.8%) of them claimed their index child had diarrhoea out of which less than half (38.8%) of them managed it with ORS. Less than half of them (34.4%) managed the occurrence at home while (25.5%) took their children to health center. In conclusion, mothers had knowledge of diarrhoea, but knowledge translation to prevention action was very poor. It is recommended that, health education of mothers on prevention should be intensified while mass media should assist in disseminating health information on diarrhoea prevention. Government should provide vaccine against rotavirus which should be included in the routine immunization schedule.

Comment on "South Vietnamese Rural Mothers' Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Child Health Care".

The paper by Thac et al. is an important paper from the point of view of health care providers and policy makers in the context of Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) in developing countries like India [1]. IMCI is an integrated approach which includes three main components [2]: Improving case management skills of health-care staff. Improving overall health systems. Improving family and community health practices. The paper highlights the importance of the third and valuable component of IMCI, that is, “improving family and community health practices” by health education of mothers of under-five children. The figures mentioned in the paper clearly show that it is successful in achieving this third component. India has made notable strides in tackling neonatal and childhood illnesses through a number of initiatives. These are in the form of addition of neonatal component in IMCI (IMNCI), training of community level grass-root workers such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Anganwadi Workers (AWW), Home Based Neonatal Care (HBNC), facility based IMNCI, infant and young child feeding practices (IYCF), and Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) to name a few [3]. Health education and training of grass-root workers are being done in India, but organized component of health education of mothers needs to be incorporated for improving health practices at family and community level. This can be systematically introduced at national level using the community based platforms of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNC) and Mahila Arogya Samitis (MAS) in India.

Teething: Beliefs and behaviors of mothers attending well baby clinics in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Teething is an important developmental milestone in young children. Mothers attribute several symptoms to teething and their beliefs in turn affect their behavior towards the healthcare of children during the period of tooth eruption. This study assessed maternal beliefs and behaviors towards teething in young children in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers who brought their babies to Well Baby Clinics in three health facilities in Benin City, Nigeria. The tool for data collection was a structured researcher-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Mothers of 420 children (mean age 16.2 ± 8.6 months) participated in the study. Over two-third 302 (71.7%) believed that infant teething is associated with various symptoms. The commonest symptoms reported were fever 258 (85.7%) and diarrhea 241 (80.0%) while the least was redness of the gums, 2 (0.7%). A greater proportion of respondents, 224 (74.4%), 186 (61.8%) and 184 (61.1%) managed teething discomfort with teething syrups, tepid sponging and teething toys respectively. More than half of the respondents 263 (54.3%) and 162 (56.3%) gave analgesics to relieve fever and oral rehydration solution (ORS) for diarrhea attributed to the teething process respectively. Conclusion: Mothers' beliefs encourage the use of teething as a ready explanation for childhood diseases. They utilize analgesics, ORS, teething syrup and herbal medications to relieve perceived teething symptoms. The misconception about teething can be corrected through health education of mothers when they access health facilities. The mass media may also be employed to reach a larger audience.

Does Nigeria need the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine?

The control of hepatitis B infection involves several strategies of which the most effective is vaccination. Schedules which include a birth dose (which can prevent vertical transmission when administered within 24 hours of birth) are recommended for use in countries with a high rate of vertical transmission. Nigeria is highly endemic for hepatitis B infection. Nigeria had hitherto utilized the monovalent HBV vaccine in the three dose schedule that includes a birth dose, the recent introduction of an HBV containing pentavalent vaccine (which cannot be administered at birth) calls to question whether there should be continued use of the birth dose of HBV (using the monovalent vaccine) in addition to three doses of the pentavalent vaccine given subsequently. This is given the fact that most infections in Nigeria are reportedly acquired in childhood through horizontal rather than vertical transmission. There is also the question of cost- effectiveness of the four dose schedule compared to the three dose schedule in the setting of Nigeria’s hepatitis B epidemiologic profile.A review of the available evidence indicates that a significant proportion of Nigerian women of child bearing age and pregnant women are seropositive for HBsAg and HBeAg. Maternal to child transmission rates of HBsAg of 47-53.3% have been documented while a significant proportion of newborns were noted to have serological markers for HBV infection before receiving their first immunization. These data indicate that there is a significant potential for vertical transmission of HBV in Nigerian infants providing a compelling reason for the continued use of the birth dose of the HBV vaccine. Cost-effectiveness was not examined in this review.There are, however, challenges to the universal delivery of the birth dose in a timely fashion. Encouraging institutional delivery, routine screening of pregnant women (with the administration of HBV within 24 hours of birth to infants of seropositive mothers), retraining of health care workers on ensuring the timely receipt of the birth dose of HBV vaccine and health education of mothers and the community on the need for immunization within 24 hours of birth are suggested strategies to improve the timely uptake of the birth dose of HBVKeywords: Birth dose, Hepatitis Bvaccine, Nigeria, Infants

Impact of mothers’ health attitudes on dental health of their children

Dental caries is a common well-known multifactorial disease which affects most of the people. Parents can be the main factor in avoiding dental caries in their children. The level and the time of acquisition of mutans streptococci (MS) in infants is important, since caries risk in permanent dentition may be dependent on early colonization with MS. Parents’ behaviour can impact their children’s oral health habits. The dietary habits are very important: daily consumption of sugar containing drinks, especially during night, and frequent snacking are factors predisposing to the development of early childhood caries. Dental fear is one of the important factors influencing dental health of children. The relationship between dental anxiety and poor oral health is mediated by poor oral health habits and irregular dental visits. Maternal dental anxiety is strongly correlated with children’s anxiety. Mothers’ dental fear manifests as poor dental health and poor oral hygiene of themselves and their children. Dentally anxious mothers brushed their teeth and visited the dentist less frequently than non-anxious mothers. The child’s general fear of dentistry correlated with maternal (p=0.004) and paternal (p=0.005) dental fear. Comparing children’s dental health and fear of dentistry, it was found that dental health indices, like dmft/DMFT and dt/DT were strongly associated with children’s general fear of dentistry (p=0.017 and p=0.005, respectively), and with their fear of invasive (p=0.025 and p=0.001, respectively) and dt/DT with non-invasive procedures (p=0.004). Health education of mothers and simple preventive measures used by them reduce the risk of caries in their children. Xylitol candies, used by the mothers of toddlers, daily with adequate frequency, quantity and length of the time during eruption of primary teeth reduce the level of transmission of MS from mothers to their children. The reduced early colonization of children’s teeth with MS will manifest as improved dental health and reduced caries experience.