Awareness and Implementation of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) Among Nurses in Paediatric Settings of Selected Hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a child health strategy developed by the World Health Organization and UNICEF aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and implementation of IMCI among nurses in paediatric settings and to resensitize them about reduction of infant morbidity and mortality rates through IMCI implementation. Methods: A random sampling technique was used for selecting 110 respondents and a self developed questionnaire was used to collect data. Hypotheses were tested using Pearson chi-square. Results: It was deduced from the findings that nurses’ years of experience in paediatric setting had little or no influence on their knowledge and practice of IMCI; that nurses’ knowledge of IMCI affects their implementation and that IMCI implementation is influenced by institutional support, nurses attitude and parents or guardians compliance. Conclusion: The IMCI strategy is effective in the reduction of underfive’s morbidity and mortality if properly and efficiently implemented and supervised. Nevertheless, the implementation of the IMCI strategy is not optimal due to various factors that can otherwise be overcome by local/institutional interventions.