KNOWLEDGE OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECT OF CHILD KILLER DISEASES AMONG NURSING MOTHERS IN OGOJA AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the knowledge of the causes and effects of childhood killer diseases among nursing mothers in the Ogoja area of Cross River State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to a sample of 133 nursing mothers from the Ogoja area. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and the t-test was employed to test the stated hypotheses. The study sought to evaluate the level of knowledge nursing mothers had about the causes and effects of childhood killer diseases, as well as the factors influencing their understanding and health-seeking behaviors. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of nursing mothers in Ogoja possessed a basic understanding of childhood killer diseases, particularly in relation to their causes and effects on children's health and development. However, the study also identified several gaps in knowledge, with some mothers being uncertain or uninformed about key aspects of childhood killer diseases. Additionally, cultural beliefs and traditional practices were found to significantly influence the knowledge of nursing mothers, affecting their perceptions and health-seeking behaviors. Access to health information from healthcare professionals was identified as a key factor influencing the knowledge of these diseases, with those receiving consistent health education showing a better understanding of childhood killer diseases. The t-test results indicated a significant relationship between nursing mothers' knowledge of childhood killer diseases and the perceived prevalence and effects of these diseases. The study also found that socioeconomic and educational factors had a significant impact on the level of knowledge about childhood killer diseases. Nursing mothers with higher levels of education and those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds demonstrated a better understanding of these diseases. The study concluded that while there was some level of awareness, there is still a need for targeted health education programs to improve the knowledge and health-seeking behaviors of nursing mothers in the Ogoja area. The study recommended that healthcare professionals increase efforts to provide more accessible and effective health information, particularly in rural areas, to address gaps in maternal knowledge and reduce the burden of childhood killer diseases. In conclusion, the study underscored the importance of maternal knowledge in the prevention and management of childhood killer diseases. It highlighted the need for continuous health education, community involvement, and policy initiatives aimed at improving maternal awareness and promoting better health practices. The findings provide useful insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers working to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria.

1.1 Background to the Study

Childhood killer diseases remain a significant public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where they are leading causes of death among children under five years. Diseases such as measles, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malnutrition claim millions of lives annually. Despite global advances in healthcare, Nigeria continues to record high child mortality rates, with preventable diseases accounting for most cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over five million children die annually due to these diseases, with sub-Saharan Africa contributing a large proportion of these deaths (Adeloye et al., 2017). This trend is exacerbated by the limited access to healthcare, low immunization coverage, and insufficient health education, which further perpetuate the high mortality rates from preventable diseases in the region.

Nursing mothers, as primary caregivers, play an essential role in child health and survival. Their knowledge and understanding of the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of childhood killer diseases directly impact the health outcomes of their children. According to Abdulraheem et al. (2023), mothers who are well-informed about these diseases are more likely to seek timely medical attention, practice preventive measures, and ensure that their children are immunized against preventable diseases. However, in many rural areas, like Ogoja in Cross River State, mothers often face significant barriers that hinder their ability to protect their children effectively. Limited access to healthcare services, combined with a lack of formal education on health matters, increases the vulnerability of children to these diseases.

In rural areas like Ogoja, factors such as limited access to healthcare, poor maternal education, and cultural practices exacerbate the risks associated with these diseases. A study by Abidoye and Odeyemi (2023) highlights that rural mothers often struggle with inadequate healthcare infrastructure, which makes it difficult for them to access timely and effective medical care for their children. Additionally, cultural beliefs and practices sometimes conflict with established healthcare practices, leading to delays in seeking medical attention or opting for traditional remedies instead of vaccinations and modern treatments. As a result, the combination of these factors contributes significantly to the high mortality rates from preventable diseases in the region.

Many mothers lack adequate information about the importance of immunization, hygiene, and early medical intervention, leading to preventable fatalities among children. Research by Al-Zahrani (2023) indicates that a lack of awareness about the critical role of immunization in preventing childhood diseases is a major obstacle to improving child health in rural areas. Despite the availability of vaccines, many mothers in these areas are unaware of the diseases that vaccines can prevent or the schedules for administering these vaccines. This lack of knowledge is often compounded by logistical challenges, such as the unavailability of vaccines in nearby healthcare facilities, which further discourages mothers from vaccinating their children.

The knowledge gap among mothers in rural areas about childhood killer diseases is a major concern. According to Adefolalu et al. (2019), maternal knowledge about immunization and childhood diseases is often limited, which can result in the underutilization of available health services. Inadequate knowledge about the signs and symptoms of childhood killer diseases can lead to delays in seeking medical care, reducing the chances of effective treatment and recovery. Furthermore, the lack of knowledge about proper hygiene practices contributes to the spread of preventable diseases such as diarrhea, which is a major cause of death among children under five in rural Nigeria.

This study examines the knowledge nursing mothers in Ogoja have regarding the causes and effects of childhood killer diseases. By identifying knowledge gaps and associated challenges, the research aims to provide insights for targeted health education and policy interventions to improve child health outcomes in the region. As noted by Adedire et al. (2021), understanding the knowledge and attitudes of mothers toward childhood immunization is critical for designing effective health promotion strategies. Health education programs that focus on providing accurate information about childhood diseases, their prevention, and the benefits of immunization could play a key role in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases in rural communities.

In addition to identifying knowledge gaps, it is also important to understand the factors that influence the healthcare decisions of nursing mothers in rural areas. According to Ahmad et al. (2018), socioeconomic factors such as income, access to healthcare services, and transportation are crucial determinants of maternal healthcare-seeking behavior. Mothers who have limited financial resources or who live in remote areas may be less likely to seek medical care for their children, even when they are aware of the importance of timely medical intervention. The study by Almutairi et al. (2021) further supports this idea, noting that mothers in low-resource settings often face significant logistical barriers, such as long distances to healthcare centers, which discourage them from seeking vaccination and treatment for their children.

In rural communities like Ogoja, the knowledge of nursing mothers regarding childhood killer diseases is critical in shaping their health-seeking behavior and decision-making. However, as emphasized by Kmeid et al. (2019), health education alone may not be sufficient to improve health outcomes unless it is complemented by efforts to address the broader social determinants of health. For example, improving access to healthcare services, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, and addressing poverty and other socioeconomic challenges can help ensure that mothers are able to act on the knowledge they acquire.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite considerable efforts to address childhood killer diseases in Nigeria, there remains a significant gap in understanding the knowledge of nursing mothers, particularly in rural areas like Ogoja, Cross River State, regarding the causes, effects, prevention, and treatment of these diseases. Previous studies have examined general maternal knowledge on child health (Abidoye & Odeyemi, 2023), but there is limited research focused specifically on the rural context of Ogoja, where factors such as low maternal education, cultural practices, and inadequate healthcare services contribute to high child mortality rates. Many of the existing studies have focused on urban settings or aggregated national data, which may not accurately reflect the unique challenges faced by rural mothers (Adeloye et al., 2017).

Furthermore, while studies such as those by Al-Zahrani (2023) and Kmeid et al. (2019) have explored the barriers to effective healthcare-seeking behavior, these works often overlook the nuanced role of cultural beliefs in healthcare decisions. In rural settings, cultural practices and beliefs significantly influence maternal health decisions, leading to delayed medical intervention or a preference for traditional remedies. This gap in the literature requires targeted investigation, particularly in Ogoja, where cultural factors may play a more significant role compared to urban settings.

Additionally, many studies, including those by Abdulraheem et al. (2023) and Abidoye & Odeyemi (2023), have emphasized the importance of immunization but have not sufficiently examined the specific knowledge gaps that prevent rural mothers from fully understanding the benefits of vaccination. This includes the lack of awareness about the schedules for immunization and the specific vaccines available to prevent childhood killer diseases like measles, pneumonia, and diarrhea. Identifying these gaps will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by mothers in rural communities.

Moreover, while health education programs have been suggested as a solution to improving maternal knowledge (Almutairi et al., 2021), there is limited research on how these programs can be effectively tailored to the cultural and socioeconomic contexts of rural Nigeria. Understanding the effectiveness of these programs in addressing the specific challenges faced by rural mothers in Ogoja remains underexplored. The findings from this study will fill these critical gaps by focusing on maternal knowledge in Ogoja and by proposing culturally sensitive, context-specific health interventions.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To assess the level of knowledge nursing mothers in Ogoja have about the causes of childhood killer diseases.
2. To examine the perceived effects of childhood killer diseases on children’s health and development in Ogoja.
3. To identify the factors influencing nursing mothers’ knowledge of childhood killer diseases in Ogoja.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of knowledge nursing mothers in Ogoja have about the causes of childhood killer diseases?
2. What are the perceived effects of childhood killer diseases on children’s health and development in Ogoja?
3. What factors influence nursing mothers’ knowledge of childhood killer diseases in Ogoja?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1. There is no significant relationship between nursing mothers’ knowledge of the causes of childhood killer diseases and the prevalence of these diseases in Ogoja.
2. Nursing mothers’ knowledge of childhood killer diseases does not significantly influence their health-seeking behaviors for their children.
3. Socioeconomic and educational factors do not significantly affect the level of knowledge nursing mothers have about childhood killer diseases in Ogoja.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant importance for several reasons, primarily its potential to address the persistent issue of childhood mortality in rural areas. One of the most crucial aspects of the research is its focus on the role of maternal knowledge in mitigating the impacts of childhood killer diseases. In many rural communities, such as Ogoja in Cross River State, Nigeria, high child mortality rates are linked to preventable diseases, with nursing mothers being the primary caregivers. The level of knowledge that mothers possess regarding disease prevention, symptoms, treatment, and the importance of vaccination can significantly influence their children’s health outcomes. This study aims to identify the knowledge gaps and misconceptions prevalent among nursing mothers in Ogoja, which can then be used to inform more effective health education strategies. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will benefit from the insights gained from this study, as they will have a clearer understanding of the specific knowledge barriers that hinder the effective prevention and treatment of childhood killer diseases. By pinpointing these gaps, the research can help design targeted health campaigns that address the most pressing issues and effectively communicate preventive measures to mothers. For example, health education programs could emphasize the importance of immunization, proper sanitation, and the early signs of diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia, which are major contributors to child mortality in the region.

Moreover, this study will make a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge on maternal and child health in Nigeria, especially in underserved rural areas like Ogoja. While several studies have explored maternal knowledge and its impact on child health outcomes, there is still limited research that focuses on rural communities in Nigeria. The unique challenges faced by mothers in rural areas, such as poor access to healthcare facilities, limited educational resources, and cultural barriers, often go unaddressed in national-level studies. By concentrating on Ogoja, this research will provide insights into the specific barriers to effective child healthcare in rural settings. Understanding these barriers is essential for informing future interventions that are tailored to the needs of rural mothers. The findings can serve as a blueprint for similar communities across Nigeria and even other sub-Saharan African countries, offering lessons on how to overcome the unique challenges of rural child healthcare.

Furthermore, the practical implications of this study extend directly to the lives of nursing mothers and their children. By raising awareness about the importance of disease prevention strategies such as immunization, hygiene practices, and seeking early medical intervention, this research will empower mothers with the knowledge needed to protect their children from preventable diseases. In rural areas where health literacy is often low, the findings of this study can help bridge the gap by providing clear and actionable information. When mothers are better informed, they are more likely to adopt health-promoting behaviors, such as ensuring timely vaccinations, maintaining proper hygiene, and seeking medical attention at the first signs of illness. This, in turn, will contribute to healthier children and a reduction in child mortality rates in Ogoja and similar rural communities. Additionally, the study’s emphasis on maternal education could pave the way for more widespread health education initiatives that could have long-term positive effects on child health and survival.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on nursing mothers residing in Ogoja, Cross River State, Nigeria. It examines their knowledge of the causes and effects of childhood killer diseases, including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles. The study also explores the factors influencing their knowledge and the implications of this knowledge for child health outcomes. The research is limited to nursing mothers with children under five years of age, as this demographic is most vulnerable to childhood killer diseases.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Childhood Killer Diseases: Refers to diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, and malnutrition, which are leading causes of death among children under five years old.
2. Knowledge: The understanding or awareness nursing mothers have about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of childhood killer diseases.
3. Nursing Mothers: Women who are actively breastfeeding or caring for children under five years of age.
4. Prevention: Measures taken to stop the occurrence of childhood killer diseases, including immunization, proper hygiene, and early medical intervention.
5. Effect: The impact or consequence of childhood killer diseases on children’s health and development, including morbidity, mortality, and long-term health complications.
6. Healthcare Infrastructure: The availability and accessibility of medical facilities, healthcare professionals, and resources in Ogoja for preventing and treating childhood killer diseases.
7. Immunization: The process of protecting children against specific infectious diseases through vaccines.
8. Socioeconomic Factors: Economic and social conditions, such as income, education, and cultural practices, that influence nursing mothers’ knowledge and healthcare-seeking behaviors.