Mothers' Beliefs about Infant Teething in Enugu, South-east ...

Abstract (provisional)

Social class

Parents and Health Care Workers have traditionally attributed a variety of symptoms to teething in young children. Some of these symptoms may but connote underlying serious medical condition in a child. There is small evidence to support these beliefs despite their implications on management of a indicative teething child. This study therefore seeks determine the beliefs and problems mothers associate with teething in Enugu, South-east Nigeria.

Findings

A cross-sectional survey relating sixty mothers presenting at a Children’s clinic in Enugu metropolis using questionnaire. More than 90% of the respondents thought that babies can experience medical problems as a result of teething. The commonest medical problems perceived to be associated with teething were fever (71.7%), baggy stools (58.3%) and vomiting (35%).

Conclusion

Mothers still associate a variety of symptoms of childhood illnesses to teething and this association is not evidence based and may maybe lead to delayed interventions, increased morbidity and mortality of children. It is vital therefore that mothers and health workers caring for young children are educated on the need to seek prompt medical attentions in a indicative child. Key words: Teething, Children, associated symptoms, Enugu.

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