ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A large number of children suffering from pneumonia fail to reach health facilities well in time because their mothers fail to recognize seriousness of their illness. Early recognition of symptoms of pneumonia by mothers and their participation in effective case management of pneumonia may reduce childhood mortality in our population
METHODOLOGY OBJECTIVES: To determine the mothers' perceptions regarding pneumonia in children and the home remedies used by them to treat pneumonia in children
STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive cross sectional study conducted on four hundred and eighty eight mothers taking care of their children of age less than three years. It was conducted among houses of Union Council Jhudo
RESULTS: Fast breathing and chest indrawing were most commonly reported symptoms for pneumonia [59.4%]. The study revealed statistically significant association of symptoms identification by mothers with higher educational status [p=0.04], living in joint families [p=0.05] and higher parity [p= 0.02]. Majority of the mothers [94.4%] were using two or more home remedies for their children. Honey was the most commonly utilized remedy for pneumonia [82.4%], followed by green tea [44.7%] and Vicks massage [43.2%]
CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded with the recommendations that IMNCI community component may be strengthened and better education to the care takers should be given, especially to mothers to enable them to recognize signs of pneumonia in order to improve the case detection of pneumonia, its early referral and in reducing mortality due to pneumonia