Knowledge of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis and its Current Preventive Strategies in Children, among Healthcare Providers in Ilorin, North‑Central Nigeria
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Health Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Kano, Nigeria
Abstract
Context: Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children aged less than 5 years. Healthcare providers are responsible for implementing strategies for control of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Aims: To determine knowledge of healthcare providers regarding rotavirus gastroenteritis, its burden, management, and prevention. Materials and Methods: The study was a crosssectional descriptive survey of healthcare providers working in facilities caring for children.A self administered questionnaire was given to subjects containing questions on demographics and knowledge covering burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis, modes of transmission, age of occurrence, prevention, and rotavirus vaccines.
Statistical analysis used: Data analysis was carried out with SPSS version 20. Results: Questionnaires were issued to 75 participants of which 65 (response rate = 86.7%) returned filled questionnaires. Majority (70.8%) of the subjects were females. Subjects included medical doctors (33.8%), nurses (32.3%), community health extension workers (27.7%), and laboratory scientists (4.6%). Most [39, 60.0%] subjects identified rotavirus as the commonest cause of diarrhea and only 21 (32.3%) indicated rotavirus contributed over 30% to the burden of diarrhea in these children. Fecooral route was recognized as a route of transmission by most subjects (95.4%) and 67.7% identified vaccination as a modality for prevention. Only six (9.2%) respondents could name any rotavirus vaccine. None of the demographic or occupational characteristics of the subjects was significantly related to awareness of effective rotavirus vaccines (all P > 0.05). Conclusions: Healthcare providers were aware of rotavirus as a cause of gastroenteritis in underfive children but most had poor understanding regarding its burden, prevention, and existing vaccines.
Description
Keywords
Children, knowledge, rotavirus, vaccines
Citation
10. Abdulkadir, M.B., Aderibigbe, S.A., Ibraheem, R.M., & Fadeyi, A. (2020). Knowledge of rotavirus gastroenteritis and its current preventive strategies in children, among healthcare providers in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Basic and Clinical Sciences, 17(1), 42-45