ABSTRACT
Introduction: Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a holistic approach to reducing under-five morbidity and mortality and improving growth and development of children. This study compared key household and community practices in IMCI implementing and non-implementing communities in two local government areas (LGAs) of Kano State, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional study was employed with multistage cluster sampling selection of caregivers of children 0-59 months of age and their index children (n=400).The study was conducted from February 2009 through January 2010. Data analysis was performed using EpiInfo™v6.0 and Minitab™ software. Results: The adoption of IMCI key household and community practices was generally better in IMCI-implementing communities than in non-IMCI communities. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate among children under six months was higher in IMCI communities than in non-IMCI communities (p=0.05). Non-IMCI communities also had a greater proportion of low weight-for-age children (42.5%) than IMCI communities. Mothers from IMCI communities (30.5%) were more likely to have antenatal care (ANC) during the first trimester than those from non-IMCI communities (p<0.05). There was no difference between the study communities with regard to use of insecticide treated nets during pregnancy (p=0.09), and having skilled attendance during last child birth (p=0.23). Conclusion: Mothers in communities implementing IMCI are more likely to adopt EBF and to attend ANC services than their counterparts in communities not implementing IMCI. Expanding IMCI activities to other LGAs in northwest Nigeria will have a positive impact on reducing morbidity from common childhood diseases.
