Culture and Parental Perception of Childhood Diseases in Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Childhood diseases are becoming increasingly significant in developing nations, particularly in rural communities. These diseases are linked to various other health and social issues, affecting many children. The challenge lies in accurately diagnosing and providing appropriate treatment due to certain parental belief systems that delay or discourage timely medical intervention, exacerbating health conditions. To address this issue, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate the influence of belief systems on parental understanding of childhood diseases and their choices in seeking healthcare in the Cross River Central Senatorial Districts of Nigeria. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilised for data collection. The results revealed that cultural and belief systems often hindered parents' ability to recognise the seriousness of their children's health conditions. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between cultural practices and belief systems and their healthcare-seeking behaviour. Based on these findings, it is recommended that health promoters incorporate the beliefs and cultural practices of the community into their health promotion programs. This approach will allow for the integration of both traditional cultural values and modern healthcare services, ultimately improving the overall health outcomes for children in these communities.