Febrile convulsion: Home management amongst Hausa/Fulani mothers in North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Febrile convulsions are a common paediatric problem, they can be extremely frightening, emotionally traumatic and anxiety provoking when witnessed by parents for fear of death. Appropriate home management of febrile convulsion is needed to lessen the parental anxiety and apprehension associated with it. Method: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study designed to assess the home management practices of febrile convulsion amongst Hausa/Fulani mothers in a rural community in North Western Nigeria. A one in four samples of one hundred and twenty mothers who met the eligibility criteria were selected for the study. Results: The mothers were aged 18 years to 47 years; majority had Quoranic education only, were all of Islamic faith and were not gainfully employed. One hundred and six (88%) of the mothers were married, 9(8%) divorcees and 5(4%) widows. Their home management practices included removal of cloths, traditional medications, with only 16% of study subjects practicing appropriate home management of febrile convulsion. Conclusion: The home management practice of febrile convulsion was poor amongst the mothers studied. There is therefore, the need for interventions in the community to improve their practice of home management of febrile convulsion