Determinants of Delay in Healthcare Seeking for Common Childhood Illnesses among Caregivers with Under-Five Children in Touboro Health District, Near Cameroon’ s Northeastern Border with Chad

Abstract

Aims: The study sought to determine the determinants of delay in health-seeking among caregivers with under-five children.
 Study Design: This was a mixed-method, cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Touboro Health District involving 386 caregivers of under-five children from May to July 30, 2020.
 Methodology: A structured questionnaire and two focused group discussions were used to gather information on caregiver knowledge of healthcare-seeking behavior. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Bivariable logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with of healthcare seeking behavior.
 Results: Results of the 386 sick children, fever 39.9% (154/386), diarrhea 30.3% (117/386) and cough 24.9% (96/386) were the common symptoms. The majority of the caregivers of the under-five children had poor knowledge of 63% (243/386) about common infant illnesses. Caregivers of female children under-five(OR= 2.26, 95% CI: 1.29-3.96, P = 0.004), caregivers aged between 21 and 30 years (OR=5.53, 95% CI: 1.32-23.11, P = 0.019), caregivers whose occupation is housewife (OR=2.64 95% CI 1.23-5.68, P =10.013),) ,caregivers who host > 6children in a household (OR= 3.56 95% CI 1.42-8.92 , P =0.007) were key determinants of delay in health-seeking.
 Conclusion: Caregivers of female children under-five, caregivers aged between 21 and 30 years, caregivers whose occupation is housewife, caregivers under-five children residing in a rural area, caregivers who host more than 6 children in a household, households with an average monthly income of <10.000 FRS Cfa were predictors of delay appropriate health-seeking. There is a need to intensify health education focusing on childhood illnesses, and timely care-seeking to effectively respond to caregiver's expectations among others.

Delayed Healthcare Seeking and Associated Factors for Common Childhood Illnesses among Caregivers with Under-Five Children in Southwestern Ethiopia, 2023

“…The proportion of delayed healthcare seeking in current study is also lower than a study conducted in Cameroon, which reported a proportion of 88.1% ( 28 ). This disparity could be attributed to differences in the timing of the studies.…”

“…The questionnaire was developed by reviewing relevant literature (19,28,33,34). A structured interview administered questionnaire was employed to collect the data.…”

“…Factors such as lack of access to healthcare, insufficient awareness of when to seek medical help, and economic barriers can all contribute to delays in seeking healthcare for children. Additionally, in some regions, cultural or social factors may also play a role in delaying healthcare seeking ( 28 , 34 , 35 ).…”

“…Studies conducted across different nations indicate that mothers and primary caregivers tend to delay seeking healthcare for their children’s illnesses. In Cameroon, it was recorded that 88.1% of caregivers experienced a delay in seeking healthcare for common childhood illnesses ( 28 ). In Nepal, this delay was reported as 62.7% ( 29 ), while in Bhubaneswar, the delay was found to be 15.77% ( 30 ).…”

“…Additionally, in some regions, cultural or social factors may also play a role in delaying healthcare seeking (28,34,35).…”