Caregivers Perception and Management of Common Neonatal Illnesses in Enugu State, Nigeria: A Qualitative study among rural dwellers

Abstract

Abstract Background: Neonatal mortality continues to be a challenge in Nigeria where low-quality care, care-givers ignorance of signs of neonatal illnesses and prevalent use of unorthodox alternatives to health care predominate. Misconceptions originating and propagated as traditional practices and concepts can be linked to adverse neonatal outcomes and an increase in neonatal mortality. Some of these beliefs if not properly identified can be a dogma to any scientific medical intervention. Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study among female care-givers of children residing in rural communities in Enugu state. A total of six focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted; three in each of the communities using an FGD guide. The guide was developed by the researchers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged; common signs and symptoms of neonatal illnesses, perception of neonatal illnesses and management of neonatal illnesses. Results: The mean age of respondents was 36.7±12.7 years. Neonatal illnesses were reportedly presented in two forms; mild and severe forms. Most common features of the mild illnesses reported were fever and crying excessively, refusal of feeds, jaundice, weakness, vomiting and frequent passage of loose stools as well as. The severe ones were breathlessness/difficult or fast breathing, convulsion and draining of pus from the umbilicus. The caregivers’ perception of management varied. It ranged from the use of local remedies to the use of orthodox medications. While some were of the opinion that these illnesses could be managed with unorthodox treatments, others perceived the need to visit the health centres for medical care. Conclusions: Misconceptions originating and propagated as traditional practices and concepts is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes and an increase in neonatal mortality. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of neonatal illnesses and early treatment is important to help reduce the severity of illness and prevent deaths. Appropriate interventions involving the use of evidence-based newborn care practices should be designed to dispel the myths and improve the knowledge of these caregivers on neonatal illnesses for early and prompt treatment.