MOTHERS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, BELIEFS AND PRATICES RELATED TO CHILDHOOD ANAEMIA IN THE KINTAMPO DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of childhood anaemia remains high in the Kintampo district despite various intervention programs adopted in the past to reduce it. A cross-sectional study investigating knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices was carried out among seventy randomly selected mothers to find out why childhood anaemia is still a major problem in the district. Data were also collected from six traditional healers who specialize in treating childhood diseases including anaemia. Analysis of the results collected revealed that 21% of mothers recognized anaemia in their children compared to 83.1% in an earlier study. Mothers were aware of the major signs and symptoms of anaemia and they possessed good attitudes towards management and prevention of anaemia in their children. However, other childhood conditions including malaria, diarrhoea diseases worm infestations and measles tend to predispose children to develop anaemia. A drastic reduction of childhood anaemia could be achieved if the Kintampo District Health Management Team in collaboration with the District Assembly design measures that will tackle all major childhood diseases in a package.