Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of mothers on symptoms and signs of integrated management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) strategy at Buguruni Reproductive and Child Health clinics in Dar es Salaam

OBJECTIVE Assessment of mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practices on symptoms and signs of IMCI strategy addressed illnesses July to September, 2007 METHODOLOGY The cross sectional study was conducted among mothers with under five years old children receiving care at Buguruni Reproductive and Child Health Clinic, Dar-es-Salaam. Random sampling procedure was used to obtain 336 mothers. Data collection from cooperative mothers was by the use of close ended swahili version of the questionnaire. Data was analysed using Epi-info statistical software. Confidentiality to any information disclosed by the mother was ensured. RESULTS Mothers recognized symptoms of childhood diseases as fever, cough, inability to play, irritability and restlessness and diarrhea by 92.5%, 85.3%, 83.5%, 81.1% and 80.8% respectively Fatal symptoms of childhood diseases cited were convulsions, difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness, breastfeeding or eating difficulties and drowsiness by 92.5%, 90%, 89.8%, 88.0% and 88.0% respectively. Most mothers (89.2%) found no factor preventing them from seeking care, 98.2% and 99.4% of mothers took their children to health facilities once sick or developed any symptom of severe childhood disease. CONCLUSION Symptom recognition, attitude and practices were appropriate and directed towards proper management of childhood illnesses as addressed by the IMCI strategy. Therefore implementation of IMCI programmes in government health facilities has improved health seeking for childhood diseases