scholarly journals Beliefs, Practices and Health Care Seeking Behavior of Parents Regarding Fever in Children

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 398
Author(s):  
Urbane ◽  
Likopa ◽  
Gardovska ◽  
Pavare
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Out Of Hours ◽  
Serious Illness ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Regional Hospitals

Background and objectives: Fever in children is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention. Parents often have misconceptions about the effects to fever, which leads to inappropriate use of medication and nonurgent visits to emergency departments (ED). The aim of this study was to clarify the beliefs on the effects and management of fever and to identify healthcare seeking patterns among parents of febrile children in Latvia. Materials and Methods: Parents and legal guardians of children attending ED with febrile illness were included in the study. Participants were recruited in Children’s Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) in Riga, and in six regional hospitals in Latvia. Data on beliefs about fever, administration of antipyretics, healthcare-seeking behavior, and experience in communication with health care workers were collected via questionnaire. Results: In total, 355 participants were enrolled: 199 in CCUH and 156 in regional hospitals; 59.2% of participants considered fever itself as indicative of serious illness and 92.8% believed it could raise the child’s body temperature up to a dangerous level. Antipyretics were usually administered at median temperature of 38.0 °C, and the median temperature believed to be dangerous was 39.7 °C; 56.7% of parents usually contacted a doctor within the first 24 h of the illness. Parents who believed that lower temperatures are dangerous to a child were more likely to contact a doctor earlier and out-of-hours; 60.1% of participants had contacted their family doctor prior their visit to ED. Parental evaluation of satisfaction with the information and reassurance provided by the doctors at the hospital was higher than of that provided by their family doctor; 68.2% of participants felt safer when their febrile children were treated at the hospital. Conclusions: Fever itself was regarded as indicative of serious illness and potentially dangerous to the child’s life. These misconceptions lead to inappropriate administration of antipyretics and early-seeking of medical attention, even out-of-hours. Hospital environment was viewed as safer and more reassuring when dealing with febrile illness in children. More emphasis must be placed on parental education on proper management of fever, especially in primary care

scholarly journals Disparities in mothers’ healthcare seeking behavior for common childhood morbidities in Ethiopia: based on nationally representative data

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigatu Regassa Geda ◽  
Cindy Xin Feng ◽  
Susan J. Whiting ◽  
Rein Lepnurm ◽  
Carol J. Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Access To Health Care ◽  
Working Mothers ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Healthcare Seeking Behavior ◽  
Nationally Representative

Abstract Background Childhood morbidities such as diarrhea and pneumonia are the leading causes of death in Ethiopia. Appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior of mothers for common childhood illnesses could prevent a significant number of these early deaths; however, little nation-wide research has been conducted in Ethiopia to assess mothers’ healthcare-seeking behavior for their under five children. Methods The study used the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) data. The EDHS is a cross sectional survey conducted in 2016 on a nationally representative sample of 10,641 respondents. The main determinants of care-seeking during diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) episodes were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses while adjusting for complex survey design. Results Only 43% and 35% of households sought medical attention for their children in episodes of diarrhea and ARI, respectively, during a reference period of 2 weeks before the survey. The odds of seeking care for diarrhea are lower for non-working mothers versus working mothers. The likelihood of seeking care for diarrhea or ARI is higher for literate fathers compared to those with no education. The place of delivery for the child, receiving postnatal checkup and getting at least one immunization in the past determined the likelihood of seeking care for ARI, but not for diarrhea. The odds of seeking care are higher for both diarrhea and ARI among households that are headed by females and where mothers experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) violence. Religion and types of family structure are also significant factors of seeking care for diarrhea episodes, but not for ARI. Conclusions The findings call for more coordinated efforts to ensure equitable access to health care services focusing on mothers living in deprived household environment. Strengthening partnerships with public facilities, private health care practitioners, and community-based organizations in rural areas would help further improve access to the services.

scholarly journals Determinants of treatment-seeking behavior during self-reported febrile illness episodes using the socio-ecological model in Kilombero District, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M. Mburu ◽  
Salome A. Bukachi ◽  
Khamati Shilabukha ◽  
Kathrin H. Tokpa ◽  
Mangi Ezekiel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Febrile Illness ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Differential Diagnostics ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Zoonotic Infections ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background Febrile diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa cause acute and chronic illness. Co-infections are common and these diseases have a complex etiology that includes zoonoses. For the implementation of appropriate treatment and control strategies, determinants of lay treatment-seeking behavior by the affected communities need to be understood. The objective of this study was to explore, using the socio-ecological model, the determinants of treatment-seeking actions among self-identified febrile illness cases in the Kilombero District of Tanzania. Methods Thirty-nine in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 men and 11 women in three villages in Kilombero district. These villages were purposively selected due to malaria endemicity in the area, animal husbandry practices, and proximity to livestock-wildlife interaction, all risk factors for contracting febrile zoonotic infections. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews to identify the key determinants of treatment-seeking actions. Results Study participants attributed febrile illnesses to malaria, typhoid and urinary tract infections. Treatment-seeking behavior was an iterative process, influenced by individual, socio-cultural, ecological and policy factors. Age, expendable income, previous history with a febrile illness, perceptions on disease severity, seasonal livelihood activities and access to timely healthcare were some of the determinants. Self-treatment with pharmaceutical drugs and herbs was usually the initial course of action. Formal healthcare was sought only when self-treatment failed and traditional healers were consulted after the perceived failure of conventional treatment. Delays in seeking appropriate health care and the consultation of medically unqualified individuals was very common. Conclusion The results imply that treatment-seeking behavior is shaped by multiple factors across all levels of the socio-ecological model. Public policy efforts need to focus on facilitating prompt health care seeking through community education on the complicated etiology of febrile illnesses. Improved access to timely treatment and better differential diagnostics by health professionals are essential to ensure correct and appropriate treatment and to reduce reliance of patients on unqualified persons.

scholarly journals The perceived impact of restructuring on service quality in a health care environment

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 408-420
Author(s):  
Lisebo Ntsatsi ◽  
Sanjana Brijball Parumasur
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Health Care Organization ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Health Care Employees ◽  
Regional Hospitals

This study evaluates health care employees’ perceptions of service quality in a hospital environment after the process of restructuring and assesses whether their perceptions are influenced by biographical profiles. A sample of 143 clinical and non-clinical employees from three of the largest regional hospitals within the Ministry of Health in Lesotho was drawn using cluster sampling. Data was collected using an adapted version of SERVQUAL whose psychometric properties were statistically determined. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that employees were fairly convinced that the process of transformation undertaken in the health care organization led to enhanced service quality in terms of improved empathy, assurance, responsiveness, tangibles and reliability, although in varying degrees and, reflect areas for improvement

scholarly journals Health care seeking behavior for common childhood morbidities in Ethiopia: The effects of maternal behavior and access to key health services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Xin Feng ◽  
Nigatu R Geda ◽  
Susan J Whiting ◽  
Rein Lepnurm ◽  
Carol J Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Mothers ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Demographic And Health Surveys ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Healthcare Seeking Behavior

Abstract Background: Childhood morbidities such as diarrhea and pneumonia are the leading causes of death in Ethiopia. Appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior of mothers for common childhood illnesses could prevent a significant number of these early deaths; however, little nation-wide research has been conducted in Ethiopia to assess mothers’ healthcare-seeking behavior for their children.Method: The study used the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted in 2016 on a nationally representative sample of 10641 children under the age of five. The main determinants of care-seeking during diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) episodes were assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses while adjusting for complex survey design.Results: Only 43% and 35% of households sought medical attention for their children in episodes of diarrhea and ARI, respectively, during a reference period of two weeks before the survey. The odds of seeking care for diarrhea are lower for non-working mothers versus working mothers. The likelihood of seeking care for diarrhea or ARI is higher for fathers who had education versus no education. The place of delivery for the child, receiving postnatal checkup and getting at least one immunization in the past determined the likelihood of seeking care for ARI, but not for diarrhea. The odds of seeking care are higher for both diarrhea and ARI among households that are headed by females and where mothers experienced domestic violence. Religion and types of family structure are also significant factors of seeking care for diarrhea episodes, but not for ARI.Conclusion: Given the high morbidity and mortality rates for children in Ethiopia, a deeper understanding of the health-seeking behaviour of mothers may provide insights for identifying the potential gaps and developing improvement of mothers’ awareness and perception towards childhood problems

scholarly journals Planned change and service quality in a health care environment: assessing outcomes

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 838-848
Author(s):  
Lisebo Ntsatsi ◽  
Sanjana Brijball Parumasur
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Planned Change ◽  
Hospital Environment ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Health Care Environment ◽  
Care Environment ◽  
Regional Hospitals

This study assesses the outcomes of a process of planned change undertaken in a health care hospital environment in Lesotho in terms of service quality. A sample of 143 clinical and non-clinical employees from three of the largest regional hospitals within the Ministry of Health in Lesotho was drawn using cluster sampling. Data was collected using an adapted version of SERVQUAL whose psychometric properties were statistically determined. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that the process of transformation significantly contributed to all the sub-dimensions of service quality (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy) except the process before restructuring which did not contribute to responsiveness, assurance and empathy respectively. Furthermore, all the sub-dimensions of the process of transformation significantly impact on the different sub-dimensions of service quality, although not optimally

scholarly journals Perception and Healthcare seeking practices regarding dysmenorrhea among public secondary school students in Lagos, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-44
Author(s):  
Esther O. Oluwole ◽  
Oghenekaro O. Agha ◽  
Adedoyin Ogunyemi ◽  
Omowumi Q. Bakare
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Age At Menarche ◽  
School Students ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Objectives: Dysmenorrhea is an important health problem which may have a negative impact on female health, school activities and psychological status. This study assessed the prevalence, knowledge, perception and healthcare seeking practices of dysmenorrhea among secondary school students in Lagos State, Nigeria. The pattern of management of dysmenorrhea among respondents was also assessed. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 420 adolescents in public secondary schools in Ikeja Local government area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Respondents were interviewed using a structured pretested questionnaire. Data was analyzed with SPSS Version 22.0. The level of statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: Mean ± SD age at menarche was 12.3±1.3 years. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea among respondents was 75.2%. About one-quarter 106(25.2%) had good knowledge and 209(49.8%) had good perception of dysmenorrhea. Only 10% had ever sought health care for dysmenorrhea. A statistically significant association was found between the knowledge of respondents and healthcare-seeking behavior towards dysmenorrhea (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was high and majority of respondents had poor knowledge. Improving adolescents’ knowledge of dysmenorrhea through health education could positively influence their health care-seeking behavior.

scholarly journals RELIGIOUS COMMITMENT AS A PREDICTOR OF HEALTHCARE SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG RURAL DWELLERS IN KOGI STATE

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1067-1073
Author(s):  
Seidu Nuhu A. ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Religious Commitment ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Healthcare Seeking Behavior ◽  
Rural Dwellers

In recent years, efforts have been devoted to enhancing the health care system of Nigeria to provide efficient and reliable health care services to the people. However, insinuations suggest that many people are not utilizing the available healthcare facilities, especially in rural communities. Perhaps, religious attachment is a significant determinant of several behavioral domains. The present study aimed to examine variations in HSB among the rural dwellers of Kogi State, Nigeria, based on religious commitment. Two hundred and sixty-nine Muslim and Christian worshipers chosen from religious centers in different locations of the state participated in the study. The respondents completed a self-report measure of healthcare-seeking behavior and the religious commitment inventory. The result of regression analysis indicated a positive influence of religious commitment on healthcare-seeking behaviors in rural populations. It was concluded that religious commitment should be included in the focus of the healthcare providers in providing all-inclusive care for rural dwellers in Kogi state.

scholarly journals Child Caregiver’s healthcare seeking behavior and its determinants for common childhood illnesses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a community-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Bellete ◽  
Moges Muluneh Boke ◽  
Melaku Kindie Yenit
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Childhood Illness ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Perceived Severity ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Childhood Illnesses ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
Healthcare Seeking Behavior

Abstract Background Appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior and access to the health care facility is key to improving health service utilization. Although the accessibility of comprehensive childhood disease intervention services in Ethiopia has been modified at the community level, the use of such health care services has remained limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the healthcare-seeking behavior of common childhood illness and its determinants. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was used. A multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit eight hundred and thirty-four study participants. A pre-tested and standardized questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data were visually checked for incompleteness and entered into the statistical software Epi-info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 software for descriptive and bi-variable analysis. To identify variables associated with the healthcare-seeking behavior. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were used to see the strength of association, and variables with P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The proportion of health care seeking behavior of care-givers for childhood illness was 69.5% (95% CI, 66.4, 72.4%). The education level of caregiver (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.01–2.60), knowledge of childhood illness (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.46–2.79), cough (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.39–2.71) and diarrhea (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.46–2.99) as main symptoms of illness and perceived severity of illness (AOR:3.12, 95% CI: 2.22–4.40) were significantly associated with healthcare-seeking behaviors of caregivers. Conclusion Low healthcare-seeking behavior was observed for childhood illnesses. Educational level, knowledge of childhood illness, cough, and diarrhea as primary symptoms of illness, and perceived severity of caregiver illness were significant associated with healthcare-seeking behavior. Therefore, interventions that strengthen the caregiver’s awareness of childhood illness and danger signs need to be considered. Besides, addressing the identified associated variables to healthcare-seeking behavior is critically important to curb the problem.

Determinants of patient’s decision-making in seeking care when experiencing stroke-associated warning signs

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadeq AL-Fayyadh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Health Care Seeking ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Stroke strikes millions of people worldwide.  It is categorized as one of the most alarming Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases (NCCDs) because of links to long-lasting disability or death.  From the literature, it is known that a stroke patient’s decision of seeking immediate medical attention when symptoms occur is connected with better clinical outcome. A descriptive phenomenological design explored 12 post-stroke survivors’ experiences of their decisions to seek or delay care within the first three hours of symptom onset.  Three themes emerged:  Hindering Factors, Motivating Factors, and Stroke of Luck.  Hindering Factors and Motivating Factors depicted core variables that either hampered or motivated health care seeking behaviors.  The third theme, Stroke of Luck, highlighted the multi-dimensional impact of the stroke experience on survivors’ life choices.  Results from this study support expanded initiatives to educate the public on stroke symptoms through media platforms.  Keywords: Stroke; health care seeking behavior; post-stroke survivors’ experience.

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