Evaluation of knowledge and perception regarding pneumonia among the mothers of under-ten children in Tangail, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT

Background:Childhood pneumonia is a serious infection and the singlelargestinfectious cause of death inchildren. The study aims to evaluate knowledge and perception among mothers on pneumonia diseases among the children. Methods:A hospital based study was conducted to describe socio-demographic factors of mothers, theirknowledge and perception of pneumonia disease. Study was conducted at Sheikh Hasina Medical College Hospital in Tangail from June to July 2018 by interviewing215mothers of children under-ten years attending a pediatric clinic by using structured questionnaire.Results:The parents were predominantly primary school graduates (70.7%). The majority of the father worked as daily laborer (61.9%) with about 5-10K BDTof family income per month. Around 88.4% of the mothers had fair knowledge about pneumonia. For children treatment, 90.2% parents consulted with qualified doctor, about 10% utilized self-medication.About 44.7% children were suffered from fever during pneumonia, about 42.8% was experienced shortness of breath,and about 28.4% experienced of wheezing.About 90.2% parents believed that theindoor temperature, humidity and air movement has effect on pneumonia. About 92.6% cares of reducing indoor smoke and dust, about 40.5% families have a smoker.The lack of knowledge among mothers about simple signs and symptoms of pneumonia and also aboutits causes and factors related with it has become important findings of this study.Conclusions:Community based public health education and training for health providers at all levels have to be provided about correct and applicable prevention and assessments of pneumonia.