Treatment seeking behaviour after the onset of fever among under-five children in Dodoma region, Tanzania
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Date
2015-10
Authors
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Fever is a major indicator of malaria and one ofthe frequently reported causes of under management of malaria with an effective drug is an essential element of control of the
disease. In Tanzania, despite improvement in access to health care services, still many
people seek care when it is too late or not at all. This study examined caretakers’
responses to an episode of fever among under-five children in Dodoma region. Data on
treatment seeking behaviour of caretakers of 1390 under-five children from 1027
duration analysis approaches were employed. The findings show that 329 (23.7 percent)
of the total children in the study had fever within the previous four weeks preceding the
date of the survey. Of these, 74.8 percent were perceived by their caretakers to have
some chances for harmful effects of fever to occur. Secondary education and above of
caretakers was associated with decreased beliefs about the occurrence of harmful effects
of fever. Meanwhile, 54 percent of the 287 children with fever whose caretakers sought
seeking include number of under-five children in the household, relationship of child to
head of household, place of residence, and distance to health facility. Study findings
required for better healthcare and development of children. This includes empowering
caretakers with the ability to deal with febrile illnesses and ensuring constant supply of
essential drugs especially in lower-level public health facilities.
Description
PhD- Thesis
Keywords
Seeking behaviour, Fever, Under-five children, Healthcare, Medical care, Dodoma, Tanzania