A STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF CARE SEEKING AND HOME MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN AKATSI DISTRICT

Abstract

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) include infections in any part of the respiratory

system lasting less than 3 days. They are a major cause of childhood deaths worldwide.

Though the vast majority of ARIs are harmless, there are a few severe ones, which

usually cause death within a short time and must therefore be recognised early. Available

evidence shows that in Akatsi District about half of ARIs are managed at home. Since

this care may be inappropriate there is the need for further investigation into what is

actually being done and what determines this action.

This work is a descriptive study, conducted in July 20000, to assess the determinants of

care seeking and home management practices of ARIs in under fives in Akatsi District.

Perceptions of importance, cause, prevention and treatment of ARIs, knowledge of

severity, home management practices, the time and sequence of care seeking and

socioeconomic factors influencing these were studied, in order to make recommendations

for development of appropriate health intervention programmes.

Qualitative and quantitative methods were used through FGDs with community members

and administration of semi-structured questionnaire to 210 caretakers selected through

cluster sampling.

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The study showed that ARIs are perceived to be important for such reasons as cost of

ewe and inconvenience to caretaker and child and not because of their associated

mortality. Knowlegde of modes of prevention was high. Severity was related to duration

of episode and not signs and symptoms, implying that a severe ARI could be identified

rather late. Food is not completely withheld from a child with an ARI, however certain

foods may be withheld on grounds that they worsen the condition. Though most people

would attempt to seek some form of care quite early, self-medication with herbal

preparations and drugs from chemical shops is common. There is also a sequential resort,

which can lead to delays in receiving appropriate care. The main constraint to care

seeking is financial.

The study therefore recommends Health Education by health staff on recognition of signs

of severe ARIs for early care seeking and a reinforcement of the positive practices

identified. The District Health Administration should also collaborate with the alternative

health providers in the communities and explore alternative methods of health care

financing.