Childhood seizures: assessment of the knowledge, attitude and home interventions among patients attending a paediatric outpatient clinic in Nigeria

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 1stJune to 31stDecember, 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 clenchingof 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

Implementation of Kangaroo mother care by health workers in Nigeria

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has been proven to significantly improve growth, reduce mortality and morbidity in low birth weight infants. The impact of KMC in newborn care is expected to be greatest in Africa due to limitations in health care.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of Nigerian health workers rendering paediatric care who practice KMC in their institution, and identify some challenges affecting the practice of KMC in Nigerian health institutions.Method: A cross sectional study of the participants at 45th annual scientific conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria was conducted.Result: A total of157 respondents 122(77.7%) doctors and 35 (22.3%) nurses were studied. 84 (53.5%) practiced KMC. The reasons for not practicing KMC were lack of policy reported by 43 (58.9%) and inadequate place for the mothers to stay 30(41%).The level of practice was significantly higher among respondents that worked in facilities that care for sick neonates (p = 0.049), have functional incubators (p = 0.014) and practice KMC (p < 0.001.Conclusion: Hospitals should have a written KMC policy and provide KMC wards in order to improve implementation of KMC practice in Nigeria