Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices of Caregivers of Under-Five Children on Pneumonia Management in Tribal Areas of Nandurbar, India

Abstract:

Introduction

Pneumonia is the main cause of under-five children worldwide with the burden in developing countries such as India. Caregivers are the primary care providers for their children. So, their knowledge becomes important in preventive efforts.

Methods

The study was conducted in Akkalkuwa block of Nandurbar district of Maharashtra State of India. The study was cross-sectional, mixed methods assessing knowledge, perceptions and practices of caregivers on pneumonia among children aged below five years using a vignette. Systematic and convenience sampling was used to select the participants. The participants were selected from 29 villages under TWO Primary Health Centre areas located in plain and hilly area respectively.

Results

Total 107 caregivers of under-five children were interviewed from the Akkalkuwa block. More than half of the respondents were from 18-25 years age category. Less than one-fourth of the respondents were illiterate and one-fourth had completed higher secondary or junior college. Cough, flu, fever and stomach upset/distention were the commonly reported symptoms of pneumonia. Food ingestion, climate and heat-cold humoral been reported as perceived causes whereas private doctors, traditional healers and herbalists were the highest source of help seeking for pneumonia. More than 90% believe pneumonia can be cured and more than one-third consider it as a serious illness. Sadness/anxiety of reducing income or work was the highest reported concern after getting pneumonia. More than half of them consider pneumonia as strain for family finances. Little less than one-fifth received any information on pneumonia and half of them reported friend/family as source of information about pneumonia.

Conclusion

Health education need to be imparted among community members. Traditional healers, herbalists and private practitioners to sensitize about appropriate treatment of pneumonia. Messages need to be prepared in the local languages (Bhili, Pawri dialect) using the local terminologies to be used in formation of IEC material.