Abstract

Background: Febrile seizure is a common neurological emergency in the Paediatrics. Though usually benign and self-limiting, it can be distressing for caregivers. Perception and attitude of caregivers influence the intervention given, this has been shown to impact outcomes. This study assessed the perception and practice of febrile seizures among caregivers in Calabar, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study among mothers seen at some health facilities in Calabar. Data was collected on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and, practices on febrile seizures, using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 25.0) and presented using descriptive statistics
Results: A total of 223 respondents were recruited with a mean age of 32.70 +/-7.14 years. Among the respondents, 61% have some knowledge of febrile seizures. 12.4% of mothers attributed it to witchcraft or demonic attack while 8.8% said it was the same as epilepsy. About one-third (29.3%) of caregivers would administer at least one form of intervention believed to be capable of aborting the seizure at attack at home, including the application of palm kernel oil on the body, application of substances to the eyes, and burns applied on the feet and thrusting of a spoon into the mouth. There was no statistically significant relationship between harmful cultural practices and the socioeconomic class of the mothers.

Conclusions: The knowledge of febrile seizures among mothers in Calabar is fair, however, interventions with harmful traditional practices remains a challenge and community-based health education to improve outcomes and reduce the morbidity is recommended.

Key words: Seizures, perception, febrile, practices