SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND AND THE PRACTICE OF CRUDE OIL, ALLIGATOR PEPPER AND SCENT-LEAF IN THE TREATMENT OF CONVULSION AMONG CHILDREN AGED 0-5 YEARS IN MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE

Abstract

This study examines the socio-economic background of parents who use crude oil, alligator pepper and scent leaf in the treatment of convulsion among children aged 0-5 years in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The objectives include: to determine the knowledge base of parents concerning the etiology of convulsion; determine the influence of socio-economic factors, in terms of culture of orientation, occupational background, educational background, neighbourhood affiliation, on the parents who are into the practice. Literature was reviewed on the background indictors and treatment remedies. Interactionism was used as the theoretical framework. The descriptive survey design was used. A sample size of 1200 parents was taken. Structured interview protocol and questionnaire were used in the collection of data. Test-retest method was used to ensure reliability. Collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and chi-squared test instrument of association. Findings show a high use of local remedies in the treatment of convulsion and that level of education, culture of orientation, low economic status and neighbourhood affiliation greatly influenced the use of these remedies. It is recommended that parents be educated on acceptable etiology and proper treatment of convulsion and that authorities should consider socio-economic and cultural factors in planning health care services utilization.