Care Seeking Practices of Mothers Regarding Four Key Family Practices Related to Child Health and Development

Objectives: To assess the maternal knowledge and practices regarding four key family practices related to appropriate home treatment and care seeking. Methodology: A Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in district Jamshoro, Sindh. Mothers having 5 years children were interviewed for care seeking practices. Our aim was to know the existing care-seeking practices of mothers related to child health and growth. Data on four key family practices was collected on a Standard questionnaire designed for UNICEF through a household survey from Jan to March 2016. Overall responses of participants were recorded and their percentages were drawn for analysis. Results: Total 100 mother were interviewed. Around 50% mothers were aware of continuing the feeding to a child during illness. Most of the mothers (62.1%) were in favor of giving of breast milk as preferred oral fluid during the diarrheal episode. Nearly one-fourth (26.1%) were able to identify danger signs and the need for consultation. During diarrheal episodes, less amount of food and fluid was given by 49.9% and 20.4% mothers respectively. Conclusion: Care seeking behavior of mothers is one of the barriers to towards achieving the millennium development goals. This could be dealt with improving education level and women empowerment.