Determinants of Home-Care Practices for Childhood Febrile Illnesses in Rural Communities, Osun State, Nigeria

Background: In Nigeria, between 60% and 80% of children with febrile illness had received home-care prior to reporting at health facilities but only 15% of such home-care is appropriate. A major component of the integrated management of childhood illness is improved home-care. This study assessed caregivers‟ home-care practices towards childhood febrile illnesses and the determinants in rural communities in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: Caregivers (255) accompanying febrile under-fives to rural primary health care facilities were interviewed using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on febrile illness and home-care practices for febrile children was collected and analysed using percentages, chi-square statistics and binary logistic regression. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted and analysed using detailed content analysis. Result: Mean age of caregivers was 28.6 (SD=7.7) years and 239 (93.7%) were mothers. Overall, 155 caregivers (60.7%) had good knowledge of childhood febrile illnesses while 186 (72.9%) caregivers gave appropriate home-care. Having good knowledge of febrile illnesses [AOR=1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.4] and possessing at least secondary education (AOR=2.9, 95% CI =1.5-5.5) were significantly associated with appropriate home-care for febrile illnesses. FGD revealed satisfactory knowledge of febrile illnesses among respondents. Conclusion: Educating caregivers on childhood febrile illnesses is essential to improve home-care for febrile illnesses.