Treatment-seeking for convulsions in preschool children in Calabar, Nigeria

Introduction: Convulsions are the commonest neurological emergencies in preschool children. The outcome of convulsions in this age group is determined by the cause and the treatment-seeking behavior of their caregivers. Objective: To determine the treatment-seeking behavior of caregivers of preschool children with a history of convulsion. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of preschool children to identify those with a history of convulsion in the previous 12 months and the immediate treatment response by their caregivers. Results: Caregivers of 632 children were surveyed. Thirty five (5.5%) children had a history of convulsion. Nine caregivers (25.7%) took no action to stop the convulsion, 10 (28.6%) gave herbal concoctions, 12 (34.3%) used medicine available at home from previous illness, 3 (8.6%) tepid sponged the children while 1 (2.8%) gave local enema. Subsequent treatment was sought by 23 (65.7%) caregivers. Of this number, 13 (55.6%) sought care from traditional healers, 5 (21.7%) from primary health centers and the remaining 5 (21.7%)from hospitals. Cost, proximity and perceived quality of care were the main determinants of the choice of facility for subsequent care. Conclusion: Caregivers of preschool children were either passive or took potentially harmful actions in managing childhood convulsions at home. There is need for mass enlightenment programme on appropriate actions regarding childhood convulsion in rural communities.