Childhood Seizures: Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Home Interventions among Patients attending a Paediatric Outpatient Clinic in Nigeria

Authors

  • W Wonodi Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
  • UC Onubogu Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v23i3.730

Keywords:

Home interventions, Knowledge, First aid, Childhood seizures, Attitude

Abstract

Background: Most seizures in children occur outside the hospital and effective first aid would protect individuals from harm. Study assessed the knowledge, attitude and home-based interventions for childhood seizures.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted from 1st June to 31st December, 2021 among caregivers of patients in a Paediatric outpatient clinic. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge, attitude, and home intervention of childhood seizures. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and results presented as frequency tables, percentages and charts. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results: Out of 218 respondents, the commonest source of information on childhood seizures was from friends and relatives 126(73.2%). Fever was the commonest known cause. Only 15(6.9%) recognized seizure as a neurological disorder. Jerking of the body and clenching of the teeth were the commonest recognizable symptoms. The majority said seizures were contagious (176(80.7%) and children with seizures should not go to school 187(85.8%). The overall knowledge score was poor. Negative attitudes included avoidance 19(8.7%), isolation from playing with peers (15(6.9%) and from the public 17(7.8%). Common interventions during seizures were putting palm kernel oil in the mouth while only 25(29.4%) took the child to the hospital or laid him down away from harmful objects 25(29.4%). The practice of home intervention for seizures was good in only 11(5.0%) of
respondents.

Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and first aid home interventions for seizures were poor among caregivers in this study hence standard first aid management of seizures should be taught in schools and the community.

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Author Biography

W Wonodi , Department of Paediatrics, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

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Published

2023-10-08

How to Cite

Wonodi , W., & Onubogu , U. (2023). Childhood Seizures: Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Home Interventions among Patients attending a Paediatric Outpatient Clinic in Nigeria. The Nigerian Health Journal, 23(3), 780–789. https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v23i3.730

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Original Articles
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