A Descriptive Research to Assess the Awareness on Typhoid Fever Management and Prevention of the Mothers of Five Children in Anakaputhur, Chennai

Punitha K^*

^*Correspondence: Punitha K, Sree Balaji College of Nursing, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, India, Email:

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Introduction

Typhoid fever, also simply known as typhoid, is a bacterial infection that causes symptoms due to specific types of Salmonella. A bacterial infection is due to typhoid fever. Children can get very sick or even die without treatment every year, Salmonella typhi has an estimated 22 million infections and 200,000 related deaths worldwide. Food and water contaminated by an acutely infected person or chronic human carrier's feces and urine are the source of infection. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and usually start six to thirty days after exposure. Often over several days there is a gradual onset of high fever. Weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and occasional vomiting are commonly associated with this. Many may use rose-coloured patches to produce a skin rash. Individuals may experience confusion in severe cases.

Symptoms may last for weeks or months without treatment. Diarrhea is rare. The disease is most prevalent in India. Most frequently affected are children [1].

Objectives

Assessing awareness of typhoid fever control and prevention among mothers of less than five children in selected communities.

Methodology

The research model used in this study is Descriptive design. The study was conducted in Ist Cross Street, Annanagar, Anakaputher, Chennai. In Anakaputhur, Chennai, the study population is mothers of under five children. The sample was selected by convenient sampling technique from 40 mothers under five children. A structured questionnaire of knowledge was used to evaluate knowledge of typhoid fever [2].

Results

Table 1 and Figure 1 shows that 14(35 %) of mother had inadequate knowledge, 19(47.5) had moderately adequate knowledge, 7(17.5%) had adequate knowledge.

Table 1: Shows the level of knowledge on management and prevention of typhoid fever among fewer than five mothers.

Figure 1. Shows the level of knowledge on management and prevention of typhoid fever among fewer than five mothers.

Nursing implications

The thesis has implications for nursing training, nursing management, health education and research in nursing.

Recommendations

In the light of the above findings and personal experience of the investigator the following recommendations are offered:

• A similar study may be carried out to assess the prevalence of typhoid fever.

• A planned structure teaching program for mothers on the management and prevention of typhoid fever and its health effects may be carried out.

• A similar study may be performed to compare the mothers' awareness of under-five urban and rural children [3,4].

• A comparative analysis can be carried out to assess the prevalence of typhoid fever among children under five in urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

Assessing awareness of typhoid fever management and prevention among mothers of under-five children in Ist Cross Street, Anakaputher, Chennai was conducted.

Total information indicates that 7(17.5 percent) had adequate knowledge, 19(47.5 percent) had medium adequate knowledge, and 35(14 percent) had inadequate knowledge of typhoid fever management and prevention among mothers under the age of five.

This research therefore indicates that the majority of mothers under the age of five possess reasonably adequate knowledge. Adequate awareness is required in the health care setting to reduce the risk of typhoid fever.

Ethical Clearance

No ethical clearance was necessary for this research work.

Source of Funding

Self-funded project.

Conflict of Interest

Nil.

References

1. Mogasale V, Maskery B, Ochiai RL, et al. Burden of typhoid fever in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic, literature-based update with risk-factor adjustment. Lancet Glob Health 2014; 2:e570-e580.

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2. https://publications.aap.org/redbook
3. Bradley JS, Jackson MA. The use of systemic and topical fluoroquinolones. Pediatr 2011; 128:e1034-45.

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4. Trivedi NA, Shah PC. A meta-analysis comparing the safety and efficacy of azithromycin over the alternate drugs used for treatment of uncomplicated enteric fever. J Postgrad Med 2012; 58:112.

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