Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Factors associated with Practices of Caregivers of Children with Allergic Conjunctivitis in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Muhammad RC; Usman MS; Hassan S; Habib SG; Warshu SH; Shehu AI; Kwaku AA

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i2.1063

Authors

Muhammad RC Department of Ophthalmology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja
Usman MS General Out Patient Department, Waziri Gidado General Hospital, Kano
Hassan S Department of Ophthalmology, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
Habib SG Department of Ophthalmology, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano
Warshu SH Department of Community Medicine, North West University, Kano
Shehu AI Department of Community Medicine Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State
Kwaku AA Department of Community Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i2.1063

Keywords:

Allergic conjunctivitis, Attitude, Health seeking practices, Care givers, Kano

Abstract

Background: Ocular allergies, including allergic conjunctivitis (AC), have become increasingly prevalent globally. In West Africa, AC affects up to 39.2% of children. In Nigeria, approximately 18% of children in hotspots are affected by it. Despite the high prevalence of AC, there is limited research on the knowledge, attitude, and health-seeking practices of caregivers.

Objective: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude, practices and factors associated with practices of caregivers of children with allergic conjunctivitis in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three health facilities in Kano metropolis among caregivers of children with allergic conjunctivitis. Respondents were selected using systematic sampling and data were collected using an interviewer-administered, pretested questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude and practices. Knowledge (11 items), attitude (10 Likert items), and practices (9 items) were scored and categorised into predefined levels.

Data was analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were presented as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and caregivers’ practices were tested using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 398 caregivers participated, (365,89.4%) were mothers, predominantly aged 21-40 years (320,80.4%) and of Hausa ethnicity (322,80.9%). Majority had secondary education (220,55.3%), and (247,62.1%) earned less than ₦40,000 monthly. About 260(65.3%) had good knowledge of allergic conjunctivitis. and 209(52.5%) had a negative attitude toward allergic conjunctivitis. Health-seeking practices were suboptimal, and only 59(14.8%) demonstrated good practices. No socio-demographic factors were significantly associated with caregivers’ practices (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed gaps in caregivers' practices despite adequate knowledge of allergic conjunctivitis, with socioeconomic factors like low-income influencing care. To improve practices, Context-specific interventions addressing misconceptions and structural barriers are needed to improve health-seeking behaviours. interventions and treatment adherence, timely medical care while addressing logistical barriers.