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Maternal knowledge and practices regarding childhood acute respiratory infections in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

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Submitted   Aug 10, 2020
Published   Sep 16, 2020
Issue    Vol 2 (2020)
DOI   10.25082/TCPP.2020.01.005

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Aubin Ndjadi Wembonyama Kasongo
Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo & École de Santé Publique, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
Olivier Mukuku corresponding author
Institut supérieur de Techniques Médicales de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
Gray A-Wakamb Kanteng
Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
Mick Ya-Pongombo Shongo
Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
André Kabamba Mutombo
Département de Pédiatrie Université Officielle de Mbuji-Mayi, République Démocratique du Congo
Albert Mwembo-A-Nkoy Tambwe
École de Santé Publique, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
Dieudonné Tshikwej Ngwej
Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama
Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo & École de Santé Publique, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
Oscar Numbi Luboya
Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo & École de Santé Publique, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and cover a range of infections, from the common cold to pneumonia. ARIs are the leading cause of death in children under-5, with the majority of deaths occurring in developing countries. 
Objective: To assess the knowledge and home-based practices used by mothers of children under-fives during episodes of ARI. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers of children under-five who were selected in Lubumbashi (DRC). A pre-tested questionnaire administered by researchers was used for data collection. 
Results: Of the 582 mothers interviewed, the majority had a good knowledge of the symptoms (87.46%), danger signs of severe ARIs (95.02%) and a good knowledge of the modes of transmission of ARIs (68.73%). Knowledge level was significantly associated with age and education level regarding modes of transmission. Three hundred and sixty-eight (63.23%) mothers indicated that they use traditional remedies: 252 (43.30%) apply palm oil to their children’s noses and as many mothers (n = 252; 43.30%) apply mentholatum ointment to the nose. Almost all of the mothers (n = 579; 99.48%) indicated that they dress the child with several layers of clothes. Oral self-medication was used by 575 mothers (98.80%). 
Conclusion: The mothers’ knowledge of modes of transmission, symptoms and danger signs of ARIs was good in the community studied in Lubumbashi. Knowledge level was associated with age and level of education regarding modes of transmission.

Keywords
acute respiratory infection, child, maternal knowledge, maternal practices

Article Details

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How to Cite
Kasongo, A., Mukuku, O., Kanteng, G., Shongo, M., Mutombo, A., Tambwe, A., Ngwej, D., Wembonyama, S., & Luboya, O. (2020). Maternal knowledge and practices regarding childhood acute respiratory infections in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Theory and Clinical Practice in Pediatrics, 2(1), 44-51. https://doi.org/10.25082/TCPP.2020.01.005
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