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Abstract
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Article Information:
Parents’ Attitude to Abdominal Scarification as Therapy for Splenic Enlargement in Children: A Community-Based Study in Southern Nigeria
Omokhoa A. Adeleye and Peter F. Iyeikhian
Corresponding Author: Omokhoa Adeleye
Submitted: 2011 May, 17
Accepted: 2011 June, 13
Published: 2011 June, 20 |
Abstract:
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This study was undertaken to assess the attitude gaps of parents regarding abdominal scarification
of children as a treatment for splenic enlargement. The study was conducted in a rural community in southern
Nigeria, a country that is stable and holoendemic for malaria. With a descriptive cross-sectional design, 262
parents of children at least 2-years old were selected using random clusters and participated in questionnairebased
interviews. The results showed that 76.7% of the respondents believed that abdominal scarification was
effective in treating splenic enlargement and 64.9% had at least one child so scarified. Only 34.7% (91/262)
stated fever (accepted as correct for a lay, low-literate population) as the cause of splenic enlargement; others
stated evil spirits, witches, etc as causes. Lower educational levels were significantly associated with having
a child with abdominal scarification [Logistic regression: p = 0.034; OR = 1.37 (95% CI = 1.06-3.34)]. Older
age, but not lower education, significantly favored the opinion that splenic enlargement should be treated with
abdominal scarification [Logistic regression: p = 0.012; OR = 2.04 (95% CI = 1.17-3.54)]. The study
demonstrates the profoundness of the belief in the therapeutic value of abdominal scarification and the
continued threat the act poses to child survival. Education on malaria and splenic enlargement and the right
management are required at community levels and from early stages in schools.
Key words: Abdominal scarification, child mortality, malaria, Nigeria, splenomegaly, traditional medicine,
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Cite this Reference:
Omokhoa A. Adeleye and Peter F. Iyeikhian, . Parents’ Attitude to Abdominal Scarification as Therapy for Splenic Enlargement in Children: A Community-Based Study in Southern Nigeria. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, (3): 134-138.
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ISSN (Online): 2040-8773
ISSN (Print): 2040-8765 |
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