Aim: Timely and appropriate healthcare seeking behaviours if practiced by caregivers of
under-five children can have a significant impact on child survival. This study assessed the
knowledge of, and general health seeking practices among mothers of under-five children in
Nigeria.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among caregivers of underfive
children in Edo State, Nigeria, in 2013. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to
recruit respondents. Data collection was done by means of a structured intervieweradministered
questionnaire adapted from UNICEF/IMCI household baseline survey
questionnaire.
Results: A total of 370 caregivers (mean age: 31.1±5.9 years) participated in the study.
Almost all of them were females 368 (99.5%), 234 (63.2%) had secondary education and 283
(76.5%) were in the unskilled social class. Over 70%, 76%, 72%, 76% and 82% of
participants did not know that being unable to eat/drink, fast breathing, blood in stool and
convulsion, respectively, were symptoms of a child not feeling well. The place of primary
care of children by caregivers was at home 142 (38.4%), chemist shop 91 (24.6%) and health
facility 80 (21.6%). Cost and long waiting time were major reasons for not seeking care in
health facilities.
Conclusion: This study showed poor health seeking practices among caregivers of under-five
children in Edo State, Nigeria. There should be continuous education of caregivers on
recognition of danger signs in children and the need to seek appropriate medical care in
health facilities.