Knowledge, attitude and practice of parents faced with a pathological emergency in children: a survey of patients hospitalised in the paediatric emergency department of the CHU Gabriel Touré

Abstract

Introduction: The paediatric emergency department of the University Hospital Center Gabriel Touré participates in the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) in order to improve paediatric care and reduce child morbidity and mortality. However, delay in seeking care is frequently reported as a cause of death and morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and practical attitudes of parents towards pathological emergencies in children. Materials and method: This prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from 20 January 2020 to 19 April 2020. It concerned hospitalized children aged from 1 month to 15 years. Data were collected from a questionnaire sent to parents or accompanying persons, and from the patients' hospital records. Results: We were able to collect 105 patients and their parents or accompanying persons meeting the inclusion criteria. The sex ratio was 0.8. Infants aged 1 to 6 months (47.7%) were the most represented. The fathers were mostly uneducated (39.1%) and working class (43.8%). The mothers were 42.8% uneducated and 72.4% were housewives. According to the parents, the symptoms considered as an emergency were mainly fever (28.9%) and respiratory distress (23%). Their attitudes were to consult the nearest health center (36.2%), self-medicate (19.1%) and go directly to the hospital (14.3%). Conclusion: Fever and breathing difficulties were frequently cited by the parents as signs of emergency. Their attitudes were to consult the nearest health center or to self-medicate.