Health Seeking Behavioural Patterns And Self-Medication Practices Of Caregivers On Managing Childhood Febrile Conditions In Singida Region –Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Background: Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of childhood febrile conditions are essential for reducing the progression of the illness to severe disease and, therefore, decrease mortality among under five children. This study aimed to assess the health-seeking behavioural patterns and self-medication practices of caregivers on managing childhood febrile conditions in Singida Region. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in Singida Region at Iramba, Itigi and Mkalama districts from April to May 2019. A sample size of 751 caregivers were involved meanwhile 7 destroyed by rain. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Interviewer-administered questionnaires was used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Principal component analysis was done to determine relevance of questions. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the strength of association on factors influencing health-seeking behavioural patterns and self-medication practices and controlling the confounders. Findings were presented using frequency, percentage, tables and figures. Results: Among 744 caregivers, 57% (425) had high knowledge on managing childhood febrile conditions. Influencing factors were education level (P