Mothers’ recognition of newborn danger signs and health seeking behaviour

Background: Early recognition of neonatal illnesses followed by  care-seeking and intervention are key factors in improving neonatal health and survival.Objectives: To assess mothers’ ability to recognize newborn dangersigns and actions taken by mothers in the event of neonatal illness.Methods: The study was carried out in three health centres in Yenagoa Metropolis from April to May 2011. A 15 itemed Questionnaire based on the WHO/UNICEF IMCI programme handbook was administered to 146 mothers with infants younger than three months. The mothers were asked to identify danger signs of neonatal illness from a list of symptoms, to indicate which of the listed symptoms their babies experienced, to state what actions were taken in response to the symptoms and reasons for notutilizing orthodox healthcare.Results: None of the listed symptoms was recognized by up to halfthe mothers as danger signs of neonatal illness, the best being fast breathing by 66 (45.2%) mothers. Eighty two (56.2%) mothers reportedthat their children experienced some of the neonatal danger signs: the commonest were difficult breathing and convulsions in 8 (9.8%) cases each. Unconsciousness and excessive crying were thought to be caused by evil spirits and consultations sought with faith healers. The major constraint to utilization of health facilities was cost {45(29.8%)}.Conclusion: Mothers’ recognition of danger signs in the newborn was poor. Self-medication and the use of home remedies delayed timely  consultation. The commonest reason for non-utilization of health facilities was lack of money.Keywords: Mothers, Newborns, Danger signs, Recognition, Health seeking