Health-seeking Behavior Of Mothers Research Articles

Prevalence and Determining Factors of Undernutrition among Under-five Children in Three Local Government Areas of Niger State, Nigeria

The Nigerian economy depression, Covid 19 pandemic, nationwide insecurity, and global warming are quartile factors, that affected the already compromised nutritional status of under-five children in the country, with a resultant increase in morbidity and mortality. A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken using two-stage cluster sampling method in Suleja, Tafa, and Gurara LGAs of Niger state. Data from 2350 under-fives were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements. WHO growth standard was used to determine the prevalence; multivariate logistic regression in IBM explored statistically significant independent variables associated with stunting, underweight and wasting using p-value of < 0.05. Prevalence of stunting was 47.4%, underweight 32.7%, and wasting 22.6% respectively. Severe stunting and underweight were higher in Suleja, severe wasting in Gurara, and male children were more affected by all indicators. Age of child, LGA, mother and father education, marital status, exclusive breastfeeding, and duration of breastfeeding; source and buying of drinking water, family type, maternal knowledge about malnutrition, and health seeking behavior of mothers were found as determinants. Under-five mortality is a good indicator of the health, and economic status of any community; thus, the health of under-fives needs the utmost attention. The high prevalence from the study is critical; a critical approach is urgently needed at the family, community, local government, state, and national levels with other stakeholders; to ensure under-fives receive adequate, quality, and affordable nutrients for health, and growth. Accessible, prompt, and sustainable interventions for identified cases are of utmost importance. Keywords: Determinants, Niger state, Prevalence, Undernutrition, Under-five.

Do mothers who delivered at health facilities return to health facilities for postnatal care follow-up? A multilevel analysis of the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

Returning to health facility for postnatal care (PNC) use after giving birth at health facility could reflect the health seeking behavior of mothers. However, such studies are rare though they are critically important to develop vigorous strategies to improve PNC service utilization. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude and factors associated with returning to health facilities for PNC among mothers who delivered in Ethiopian health facilities after they were discharged. This cross-sectional study used 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. A total of 2405mothers who gave birth in a health facility were included in this study. Multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to estimate both independent (fixed) effects of the explanatory variables and community-level (random) effects on return for PNC utilization. Variable with p-value of ≤ 0.25 from unadjusted multilevel logistic regression were selected to develop three models and p-value of ≤0.05 was used to declare significance of the explanatory variables on the outcome variable in the final (adjusted) model. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS statistics version 21. In this analysis, from the total 2405 participants, 14.3% ((95%CI: 12.1-16.8), (n = 344)) of them returned to health facilities for PNC use after they gave birth at a health facility. From the multilevel logistic regression analysis, being employed (AOR = 1.51, 95%CI: 1.04-2.19), receiving eight and above antenatal care visits (AOR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.05-8.00), caesarean section delivery (AOR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.40-4.58) and rural residence (AOR = 0.56, 95%CI: 0.36-0.88) were found significantly associated with return to health facilities for PNC use among women who gave birth at health facility. Facility-based PNC utilization among mothers who delivered at health facilities is low in Ethiopia. Both individual and community level variables were determined women to return to health facilities for PNC use. Thus, adopting context-specific strategies/policies could improve PNC utilization and should be paid a due focus.

Health Care Seeking Behavior of Mothers for Common Childhood Illness and Associated Factors in Woldia Town Administration, Northeast Ethiopia

Background: Early detection and immediate health care seeking practice of care is an important step towards increasing child survival and reducing mortality. Many child deaths are attributed to delay in seeking care and child mortality is still insufficient progress. Despite the great potential of health seeking behavior of mothers for common childhood illness in reducing child morbidity and mortality, its status is not well known in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess mothers’/care givers health care seeking behavior and its associated factors for childhood illnesses in Woldia town administrative 2019. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was done on a sample of 662 mothers/caregivers from February 28 to March 28,2019. simple random sampling method was used for sample selection. Data was entered using Epidata Version 3.1 and transfer to SPSS version 20 software for analyses. Binary logistics regression model was used to identify factors associated with the dependent variable. Adjusted odds ratio with p-value <0.05 and 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength of association. Result: A total of 662 mothers/caregivers were included in the analysis and response rate was 98.6%. Among these, 399 (60.27%) of mothers were sought health care from health facilities. Currently married women [AOR=1.92, 95% CI (1.14,3.22)], exposure to mass media [AOR=5.56; 95% C I (3.34,9.26)], perceived severity of illness [AOR=4.24, 95% CI (2.80,6.43)], employed mother/care giver [AOR=1.96,95% CI (1.13,3.38)] were more likely to sought health care for their children as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: More than half of the mothers/caregivers sought medical care for their children at the time of illness in the study area. Marital status, occupational status, exposure to mass media, perceived severity of illness, type of symptom reported were determinant factors of health care seeking behavior.

Assessment of Mothers Level of Knowledge About Neonatal Danger Signs and Its Associated Factors in St Paul’s Hospital Millenium Medical College Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Background: Neonatal danger has become a substantial problem in many developing countries like Ethiopia. More specifically, neonatal rates in Ethiopia are among the highest in the world. In this regard, health-seeking behavior of mothers for neonatal care highly relies on their knowledge about neonatal danger sign, and it has been hardly investigated. Therefore, this study was intended to determine the level of mother’s knowledge about neonatal danger signs and to identify factors associated with good mother’s knowledge. Objective: To assess mother’s level of knowledge about neonatal danger sign and its associated factors in St. Paul Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based quantitative cross sectional study design was used to assess the knowledge and associated factors that influence neonatal danger signs knowledge among mothers attending postnatal. A total of 159 postnatal mothers was the calculated sample size and selected by simple random sampling technique. Data was collected by using a structured interview questionnaire through face to face interview by six data collectors. Data quality was assured through pretesting the questionnaire on 5% of postnatal mothers and findings from the pretest was used to amend the questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 23.0. Result: A total of 155 mothers were interviewed with the response rate of 97.5%. The mean age of mothers was 28.8 (SD ±5.4). More than one third (39.4%) of mothers were in the age range 25-30 years. The majority of mothers were married, 140 (90.3%); orthodox by religion, 84 (54.2%) and Oromo by ethnic group which was 75 (48.7%). Only 46 (29.7%) of all mothers had good knowledge which were having knowledge of at least four of the ten defined neonatal danger signs. Fever was more commonly known danger sign by 55.6% of the mothers. There were no any significant associations based on multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion and recommendations: Majority of mothers had poor knowledge of the majority of neonatal danger signs. Strengthening postnatal counselling at a health facility or dissemination of information community level about danger sign is highly recommended. DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/67-02 Publication date: August 31 st 2020

Health information and health-seeking behaviour in Yemen: perspectives of health leaders, midwives and mothers in two rural areas of Yemen

BackgroundHumanitarian crises can lead to the rapid change in the health needs of women and newborns, which may give rise to a complex situation that would require various interventions as solutions. This study aimed to examine the health education and promotion patterns, health-seeking behaviour of mothers, and barriers to the use of maternal health services from public health facilities in two rural areas of Yemen.MethodsWe used a qualitative approach. We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with frontline health professionals and mothers respectively. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted with the health professionals, including 4 health leaders and 5 midwives, and 2 focus group discussions with mothers aged 18–45 years in Abyan and Lahj. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data in Atlas.ti (version 8) Software.ResultsOur data showed that health education and promotion activities on maternal health were ad hoc and coverage was poor. Maternal health services were underutilized by women. According to the data from the focus group discussions, the poor quality of services, as indicated by inadequate numbers of female doctors, lack of medical equipment and medicines, and costs of services were barriers to use maternal health services. Moreover, the use of prenatal and postnatal care services was associated with women’s’ perceived need. However, according to the health professionals, the inadequate human resource, workload, and inadequate funding from government have contributed significantly to the perceived quality of maternal health services provided by public health facilities. Despite the identified barriers, we found that a safe motherhood voucher scheme was instituted in Lahj which facilitated the use of maternal health services by disadvantaged women by removing financial barriers associated with the use of maternal health services.ConclusionThis study identified several obstacles, which worked independently or jointly to minimize the delivery and use of health services by rural women. These included, inadequate funding, inadequate human resources, poor quality of health services, and high cost of services. These barriers need to be addressed to improve the use of reproductive health services in Yemen.

Mothers’ knowledge and their health seeking behavior about neonatal danger signs and associated factors in Fiche town, Oromia region, Ethiopia

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with knowledge and health seeking behavior of mothers about neonatal danger signs. MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among mothers living in Fiche town from November 1, 2018 to October 30, 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) were calculated and all results were deemed to be statistically significant when p < 0.05. ResultAmong the 360 participants, 186 (51.7%) of mothers were found to have a good knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Having antenatal care follow-up [AOR = 6.35, 95% CI: 4.084, 17.206] and having college and above level of education [AOR = 2.071, CI: 1.311–14.690] were significantly associated with a good knowledge of neonatal danger sign and getting post-natal care was a predictor of good health seeking behavior [AOR = 3.720, 95%CI: 2.876, 13.377]. ConclusionAntenatal care follow-up and mother's level of education were contributing factors for good knowledge of neonatal danger sign and post-natal care was a significant factor for health seeking behaviors of mothers. Therefore, the antenatal and post natal health care workers should educate mothers on various reproductive health issues.

Knowledge regarding diarrhoea prevention and its management and its determinants among mothers of under 5 age children in urban area of Sangareddy, Telangana

Background: Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age, and is responsible for killing around 5,25,000 children every year. A major determinant of child health is the health and knowledge of the mother. So the knowledge, attitude and health practices of the mothers directly reflect on the health and vitality of the child.Methods: A community based cross sectional type of study was conducted among mothers who had children of 0-5 years of age using pre designed, pretested structured questionnaire. Study area was 5 urban slum pockets in Tertiary care hospital of Sangareddy, Telangana. 255 mothers were selected for the study using random sampling technique.Results: Out of the total 255 study populations most of the mothers were literate, living in nuclear families belonging to Hindu religion. About half of the mothers had knowledge regarding diarrhoea and 71.4% of the mothers have given hospital treatment for it. When asked about 78.4% of mothers told that they follow preventive health practices. Majority of mothers had a good knowledge regarding steps to be taken by health care facility during diarrheal attack.Conclusions: On the basis of the present study, there was a significant association of knowledge regarding diarrhoea with maternal literacy and socio economic status. This study brought out the health seeking behaviour of mothers of under five children.

Study to assess the knowledge and health seeking behaviour of mothers of under 5 children in the catchment area of G.M.C., Bhopal

Background: Under 5 mortality rate is considered as the best indicator of social development and well being. Low U5MR indicates better social development as children are most vulnerable during the first 5 years. Almost 1/3rd die of infectious cause, nearly all of which are preventable.Methods: A cross- sectional interventional study was done on 105 mothers with children under the age group of 5 years. Knowledge and practice about diarrhoea, pneumonia and immunization was assessed first followed by and educational intervention which was later followed by post intervention interview of the same mothers after a gap of 1 month. The increment in the knowledge was then assessed.Results: 41.9% belonged to the age group of 20-25 years. 94.11% of the mothers knew what diarrhoea is and only 47.61% could tell minimum 3 signs of dehydration. 32.38% could tell the specific signs of pneumonia. 90.47% mothers knew that immunisation prevents children from diseases. The overall knowledge scores improved significantly (p&lt;0.0001) after a gap one month.Conclusions: The knowledge appeared to improve significantly after an education intervention. The immunization coverage was found to be adequate.

Determinants of mother’s health seeking behaviour during common childhood illness in a costal area of Bangladesh

Background: The government of Bangladesh has committed to stop preventable child deaths in the country before 2035. Objective: To attain this, the government is promoting research-based interventions. This study aims to understand the determinants of health-seeking behavior of mothers during common childhood illnesses in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study and face-to-face survey interview using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted from 384 mothers to explore determinants of mothers’ healthcare seeking behavior during common childhood illness. This study was conducted in two villages of Teknaf upazila (sub-district) in Cox’s Bazar district between February and August 2014. Results: Out of 384 mothers, 65.4% had reported illness in their children in the 14 days preceding the survey. Most of the mothers (48.6%) reported that their children suffered from fever, cough and cold, and 35.2% of them sought self-care or home remedy on the first action. Mothers’ awareness regarding the danger signs of childhood illness was poor. Moreover, mothers’ education, household monthly income, monthly expenditure on health treatment, and mothers’ knowledge regarding danger signs acted as determinants for mothers seeking formal care during childhood illness. Conclusion: Aiming to ending preventable child deaths, it is necessary to implement intervention focusing on improving maternal education and household income opportunities. More research to explore health seeking behavior encompassing seasonal variation and facility assessment are needed to understand comprehensively the determinants of health seeking behavior of mothers. Keywords: Health-seeking behaviour, Childhood illness, Mother, Healthcare, Determinants

A study of factors which determine health seeking behavior of mothers for their under five children in rural area of Gujarat

Background: Childhood illnesses present a major public health challenge for developing countries like India which is aggravated by a suboptimal health seeking behaviour by the parents or guardians. Appropriate medical care seeking could prevent a significant number of child deaths and complications. The present study aims to determine the factors affecting health seeking behavior for childhood illnesses, thereby improving child survival.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in rural area of Gujarat. Study subjects were patients aged 2 months to 5 years of age who presented to the outpatient department of Rural Health Training Centre. The health seeking behavior of mothers for their child’s illness and the factors affecting it were analyzed. Results: Regarding utilizing the curative aspect of healthcare-seeking behavior, out of total 147 male children, treatment was not received by 31 children (21.09%), while those who received treatment, 71 males (48.30%) get treatment at the public sector and 45 males (30.61%) get treatment at private sector. It indicated the promptness, concern and utmost care for male children by their mothers. Out of 90 female children, in 30.00% of the cases, no treatment was received. 42 females (in 46.67% cases) receive treatment at public sector and 21 females (in 23.33% cases) receive treatment at private sector. The association between mass media exposure and health care seeking behavior was found to be statistically significant. The association between working status of mother and health seeking behavior was not found statistically significant. Conclusions: For the preventable childhood illnesses, appropriate health seeking behaviour is low. Intervention programs focusing on educational improvement of the caretakers, introduction of community based integrated management of childhood illness are likely to contribute to improve the health seeking behaviour and child survival.

Antenatal and Post-natal Check-up Practices Among Chepang and Non-Chepang Communities of Nepal

Health check-up during pregnancy and after pregnancy is a must because of the critical health status of the mother and baby. The study identifies the health seeking behavior of mothers of Chepang and Non-Chepang communities of Makawanpur and Chitwan district of Nepal regarding the ANC and PNC check-up. The study was cross sectional descriptive design. Total sample size was 1250 (511 Non-Chepang and 739 Chepang). The result found that Non-Chepang community was found more aware and better practice of health check-up than Chepang communities in both districts. Nepal Government should focus on Chepang or similar types of marginalized and backward communities to increase their access on health services as well as concerned authorities should be responsible to address their problem which become as barrier to change their health seeking behavior.

Family and Social Determinants of Health-seeking Behaviour of Caregivers of Febrile Children in an Urban City of South-Eastern Nigeria

Context: The highest rates of child mortality are still in sub-Saharan Africa. The leading causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa are infectious diseases of which fever is a common feature of. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of fever is necessary if mortality of children under the age of five years is to be substantially reduced in this part of the world. Aim: To determine the family and social factors associated with the health seeking behaviour of mothers of febrile children. Subjects and methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study involving mothers/caregivers. Relevant data on socioeconomic and family characteristics were obtained using pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis used: The data was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. The results were expressed as rates and proportions. Fisher’s exact test was computed and association considered significant if P value is equal to or less than 0.05. Results: A total of 400 mothers/caregivers were finally studied. 51.5% of the caregivers were aged between 30 and 39 years. Majority (91.5%) of them had at least secondary education. Three hundred and thirteen (78.3%) mothers gave drugs as initial action while only 8 (2%) took their children to a health facility to access care. One hundred and ninety eight (49.6%) mothers sought appropriate care while 121 (30.2%) mothers sought care promptly. Conclusions: The major factors determining the health-seeking behaviour of caregivers of febrile children are age of the child, educational and occupational status of the caregivers, household heads as well as income.

Mother’s / care giver’s health seeking behaviour during childhood illness in an urban slum of Dhaka city

Objectives: To determine the health seeking behaviour of mothers / care givers of children under 5 years of age during their illnesses.Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 439 mothers/ care givers of under 5 year old children in an urban slum area of Dhaka city from September 2013 to February 2014. Data were collected through face-to-face interview by using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. All analyzed data were presented in the form of percentages. Chi-square test was applied wherever applicable.Results: Out of 439 mothers / care givers, most (90%) of them sought health care services during their children’s illness. [A statistically significant association was found between mother’s /care giver’s education and sought health care services during illness of children (p=0.055). In the study, 200 (50%) of the respondents consulted drug sellers of medicine shops during their children’s illness. Others went to medical college hospital (34.6%), Government hospitals (13.5%), consulted a private practitioners (11%) and NGO facilities (6.3%). Forty (9.1%) respondents did not seek any health care with multiple reasons or responses. Majority (27, 67.5%) waited for self recovery, 21 (52.5%) had lack of money, 5 (12.5%) did not receive any advice to receive treatment. Four (10%) respondents said that the health care facility was too far to receive treatment and 3 (7.5%) respondents did not feel that treatment was necessary. [Health seeking behaviour of the mothers / care givers was statistically highly significant in educated person. They took the child to Govt. hospital (p=0.001) during illness. The relationship between health seeking behaviour and monthly family income of the respondents was statistically significant. The respondents took their child to medical college hospital (p=0.040) and also consulted drug sellers (p=0.038) during illness of the child.]Conclusion: Health education and behaviour change communication activities can be undertaken in the slum for mothers / care givers about early recognition of childhood illness and on the importance of seeking early treatment.Pulse Vol.7 January-December 2014 p.5-15

Recognizing the Danger Signs and Health Seeking Behaviour of Mothers in Childhood Illness in Karachi, Pakistan

Introduction: Maternal behaviour regarding child health care has been recognized as an important social and anthropological factor explaining high mortality rates among children under five years of age. Delays in seeking appropriate health care is known to be the largest risk behaviour which contribute large number of child deaths in developing countries especially in Pakistan. Mothers are mostly responsible for their child health, however, the importance of knowledge among mothers while in identifying the danger sign in their child are very imperative for preventing their illness. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in an urban setting in Karachi city. The objective of study was to assess the knowledge of mother's regarding danger signs in their child illness and their care seeking behavior with aims to improve the neonatal and child health in Pakistan. Results: The majority of respondent mothers (81.5%) were literate, housewives (90%). Regarding child care the mothers are responsible for the immediate needs of their child. In the context of breast feeding and immunization of the infants, majority of the mothers were aware of practicing early initiation and uses of colostrum because of its importance. Although a large proportion of mothers (90.1%) sought 'appropriate' care for childhood illness, generally care was sought from private doctors (69.4%) instead of government medical practitioners. Conclusion: Study concluded that the Health seeking behviour of mothers has been found appropriate, however, their knowledge regarding the danger signs and illness of their children was reported low. It is recommended that some urgent awareness intervention by the policy makers for reducing the child death should be given to increase their knowledge on the danger sign of child diseases in Pakistan.

Magnitude and Determinants of Utilization of Skilled Birth Attendance among Women of Child Bearing Age in Sidama Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Background: Skilled birth attendance is correlated with lower maternal mortality rates globally. Providing skilled care during pregnancy and delivery reduces maternal deaths. Objective: This study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of skilled birth attendance and factors affecting it. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from April 18 to 28, 2014 in Loka-Abaya district, southeast Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was used for selection of study participants. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivirate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of skilled birth. Results: A total of 550 women participated in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 18.61 ± 2.269 years. 41.2% of the subjects attended 1-6 grade schooling. 26.8% of the mothers gave birth at health facilities. Only 13.9% of the mothers encountered at least one complication. The study showed that age and educational status of the mothers and husbands, frequency of antenatal visit, birth order, and maternal knowledge and prior experience of delivering at a health facility were independent predictors of skilled birth attendance. Conclusions: The study revealed that the prevalence of utilization of skilled birth attendance for the recent birth was low. Younger age, educational status of mothers and their husbands, lesser birth order, frequency of antenatal care, previous experience of delivery at health institutions and maternal knowledge had positively affected skilled birth attendance. Thus it is recommended that the responsible bodies should strive to improve the awareness and health seeking behavior of mothers.

Magnitude and Determinants of Utilization of Skilled Birth Attendance Among Women of Child Bearing Age in Sidama Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Background: Skilled birth attendance is correlated with lower maternal mortality rates globally. Providing skilled care during pregnancy and delivery reduces maternal deaths. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from April 18 to 28, 2014 in Loka-Abaya district, southeast Ethiopia. Multistage sampling technique was used for selection of study participants. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivirate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants of skilled birth. Results: A total of 550 women participated in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 18.61 ± 2.269 years. 41.2% of the subjects attended 1-6 grade schooling. 26.8% of the mothers gave birth at health facilities. Only 13.9% of the mothers encountered at least one complication. The study showed that age and educational status of the mothers and husbands, frequency of antenatal visit, birth order, and maternal knowledge and prior experience of delivering at a health facility were independent predictors of skilled birth attendance. Conclusions: The study revealed that the prevalence of utilization of skilled birth attendance for the recent birth was low. Younger age, educational status of mothers and their husbands, lesser birth order, frequency of antenatal care, previous experience of delivery at health institutions and maternal knowledge had positively affected skilled birth attendance. Thus it is recommended that the responsible bodies should strive to improve the awareness and health seeking behavior of mothers.

Health care seeking patterns and out of pocket payments for children under five years of age living in Katchi Abadis (slums), in Islamabad, Pakistan.

BackgroundSince 1990, Pakistan has faced an unprecedented rate of urbanization, thereby resulting in the uncontrolled proliferation of slums (Katchi Abadis) in all large cities. These areas lack the basic municipal services such as safe water supply, sanitation and waste collection. There is limited access to quality health care services, both curative and preventive. Therefore, communities living in katchi abadis are faced with health seeking challenges and catastrophic expenditure to pay for health care services (formal or informal).MethodsThis cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in Islamabad, using a semi-structured questionnaire with mothers of children 5 years of age. There are 34 katchi abadis, 11 are recognized by the Capital Development Authority, out of which seven were included in the study. The calculated sample size was 207.Main findingsAverage household income was found to be Pak Rupee 10,000 (approx.US$100) per month. Diarrhea, fever, common cold and cough were common illnesses among under 5 children. Approximately 43% of the mothers were illiterate and they preferred consulting a private doctor or a private dispenser in the katchi abadi. Mother’s level of education was significantly associated with the type of health provider consulted. Majority had to spend out of pocket, while many either borrowed money from relatives or friends or sold a household item. Delay in seeking health care added to the out of pocket expense. The mean cost on child’s treatment was approximately PkRs400 (approximately US$ 4) for a single consultation.ConclusionThere are several factors associated with health seeking behavior of mothers of children under the age of 5 years, living in the katchi abadis of Islamabad. The latter population group is one of the most vulnerable given their poor standard of living conditions. A multi-sectoral approach is needed to address the provision of basic amenities, the availability of safety nets to pay for health care is crucial to avoid catastrophic expenditure and the provision of community-based health promotion programs are essential to improve health seeking behaviors whilst simultaneously promoting and protecting health.

Situation Of Infant Mortality And Mother’s Health-Seeking Behaviour In Selected Area Of Karachi

Pakistan has one of the highest Infant mortality rates in the world. Most death takes place as a result of Health seeking behavior of mothers or rather lack of it. This study was aimed at finding out situation of Infant mortalityin low-income areas in Karachi, the capital of Sindh, Pakistan. Due to limited resources this study is restricted to only one locality, Shershah, Karachi. The data was collected from the ever-married women aged 15-49 in sample locality. Detailed information on women’s socio-economic background, birth histories and health status was obtained for analysis.

Knowledge Attitude and Practice about Acute Respiratory Infection among the Mothers of Under Five Children Attending Civil Hospital Mithi Tharparkar Desert

Background: Mortality and morbidity indicators represent the traditional measures of health status of community. These indicators continue to be used as the starting point in health status evaluation. The knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers play an important role in the reduction of morbidity in under 5 children. Socio economic conditions have long been known to influence human health. Objectives: To evaluate the health seeking behavior of mothers, regarding ARI in under five children and to

Pattern of health seeking behaviour of mothers for common childhood illnesses in Enugu metropolis south east zone Nigeria

TheObjective of the study is to assess the Health Seeking Behaviour ofmotherswhen their children presentwith the common aliments and their preferred treatment options. A cross sectional survey of 300 women that brought their children for routine immunization and growthmonitoring to three health institutions in Enugumetropolis was carried out using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Majority of the mothers, 208(69.3%) used self treatment for their children at home when they presented with common illnesses.Atotal of 146(48.7%) made use of government health institutions, 117(39. 0%) attended private health institutions while 21(7.0%) consulted an elder woman and 9 (.0%) patronized prayer house.Only 3(1%) respondents sought the help of traditional healers. In this study, the greater percentage of mothers used self medication for treatment of common childhood illnesses.The implication of this is that themajority of themothersmay not know the right treatment to institute at any point in time. This situation could lead to more complications of the illnesses or even loss of life.As a result,mothers should be educated on how best to take care of their sick children athome and be able to recognizewhen to seek appropriate help. Keywords : Health SeekingBehavior,Mothers,CommonChildhood Illnesses