Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 23, No. 2, 2025
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/5202.32.0240
Community knowledge, Perceptions and Care-seeking behaviour for Childhood Pneumonia among Caregivers in Oyo State, Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Study
Oluwaseun Toluwalase Emmanuel1, Olugboyega Olufemi Omololu2, Olufunke O. Adegoke3, Aboluwaji Daniel Ayinmoro4, and Adebayo Olayiwola Adejumo5
1,2,3,4Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
5Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Childhood pneumonia remains a leading cause of under-five mortality in Nigeria. There are inequities in health system responsiveness, shaped by caregivers’ knowledge, perceptions, and socioeconomic context, that influence timely care seeking. This study examined community knowledge, perceptions, and care-seeking behaviours in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A mixed-methods study grounded in the Health Belief Model was conducted in three LGAs across the senatorial districts of Oyo State. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires from 1,154 women aged 15–49, selected using a multi-stage sampling approach. Qualitative data were obtained through 12 key informant interviews, 7 household in-depth interviews, and 3 focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and Logistic regression at p<0.05, while the qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Most caregivers recognised pneumonia symptoms such as cough (87.4%), fever (79.1%), and catarrh (71.5%). However, only 18% linked pneumonia to indoor smoke exposure and 8.2% to aspiration during childbirth, indicating low awareness of biomedical risk factors. Women who were married (OR=2.702; 95% CI: 1.535–4.759) and engaged in business (OR=2.420; 95% CI: 1.206–4.857) were more likely to seek hospital care than those were single-mother and unemployed respectively. Despite this, qualitative findings revealed strong reliance on traditional remedies, spiritual beliefs, and the influence of elder women in care decisions. Rural caregivers reported more delays due to financial and physical barriers, and a stronger preference for herbal treatments.
Conclusion: While caregivers commonly recognised pneumonia symptoms, critical gaps exist in knowledge of biomedical causes and prevention. Socioeconomic status, geography, and cultural beliefs have a significant influence on care-seeking. Interventions should integrate culturally sensitive health education, improve access to rural health services, and promote maternal education to enhance pneumonia prevention and child survival outcomes.
Keywords: Childhood pneumonia, caregivers’ attitude and practises, health seeking behaviour, traditional remedies, mixed method research