Health-seeking Behaviors of Caregivers following Non-fatal Injuries in Rural Children at a Sub-district of Bangladesh, 2018

Le résumé fourni par la source

Objectives: Understanding health-seeking behaviors of caregivers following non-fatal child injuries is necessary for child-injury prevention programs to develop effective interventions. This cross-sectional study aims to provide evidence on health-seeking practices in Bangladesh. Methods: Data were previously collected in a survey study conducted between May and June 2018 among children aged less than 18 years from a selected sub-district of Bangladesh. Cluster sampling identified mothers or caregivers to be interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Health-seeking responses, including first aid and subsequent treatments, were obtained only for injured children, categorized as ‘minor’ and ‘major’. Results: Of 918 children, the prevalence of major (n=22) and minor (n=68) injuries was 2.4% and 7.4%, respectively. All but one child received first aid or other forms of treatment. Among those who had major injuries, 77% received first aid, mostly from relatives (47%) or a doctor/trained health care worker (HCW) (41%); further treatment was pursued for 64%, and 18% were hospitalized. Among those with minor injuries, 90% received first aid, primarily from a relative (54%) or an unqualified HCW (25.5%); 60% sought further treatment, and 3% were hospitalized. Unqualified HCWs continued treatment for 50% of those with major and 71% of those with minor injuries. Caregivers applied diverse substances such as oil, water, toothpaste, ointment, or leaves as first aid, regardless of injury type and pattern. Public Health Recommendations: This study identified nearly similar first aid practices as seen earlier, with treatment adherence more towards non-qualified HCWs. Inclusion of first aid knowledge and health-seeking behaviors in prevention programs, and qualitative studies for understanding of treatment adherence behavior are recommended.

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