- Title
- Delays in seeking treatment for sick children in rural Malawi: A study of the utilisation of village clinics
- Creator
- Bonongwe, Enock (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2819-130X)
- Subject
- Community Health Services
- Subject
- Rural Health
- Subject
- Health Planning
- Date
- 2011-12
- Type
- Master's theses
- Type
- text
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23326
- Identifier
- vital:57314
- Description
- The world’s highest mortality figures are found in developing countries among under-five children (Black et al., 2003:2227). Efforts in reducing childhood mortality are stifled if treatment is delayed (sought after 24 hours). The aim of this study was to find out the factors that contribute to delays in seeking treatment for sick children in a community where health services are free and accessible. From data collected using a questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), the study found out the factors that contribute to delayed care. It collected data from 150 mothers who sought treatment at village clinics within 14 days prior to the survey date. Qualitative data were collected in five FGDs with old women, young women, men, youth and community leaders. The study found that out of 150 mothers, 54 percent delayed seeking treatment for sick children. Mothers who had given sick children home treatment and those who sought treatment from other providers for the same illness brought to the village clinic were more likely to delay care. FGDs revealed that most factors contributing to delayed care were to do with the health system, although beliefs and perceptions played a part. In summary, delays in seeking treatment for sick children are a product of an interplay of many factors. Overall, it was found that caregivers’ interpretation of the child’s illness influenced timeliness of care and the choice of health care provider.
- Description
- Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2011
- Format
- computer
- Format
- online resource
- Format
- application/pdf
- Format
- 1 online resource (85 leaves)
- Format
- Publisher
- University of Fort Hare
- Publisher
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
- Language
- English
- Rights
- University of Fort Hare
- Rights
- All Rights Reserved
- Rights
- Open Access
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Collections
UFH Department of Sociology and Anthropology
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details | SOURCE1 | Final Thesis for Enock Bonongwe1.pdf | 10 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details |