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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Eric A. Swedberg, MPH, Office of Health, Save the Children, US, 54 Wilton Rd, Westport, CT 06880, 203 221-4011, eswedber@savechildren.org, Henry Kalter, MD, MPH, International Health (Health Systems), Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe St. E8132, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, and Omrana Pasha, MD, MSPH, International Programs (Office of Health), Save the Children (USA), 54 Wilton Road, Westport, CT 06880.
Introduction: Childhood mortality rates are high in Guinea however there are few studies on the social context and risk factors which contribute to death. This study identified the factors that contribute to death. Methodology: Surveillance of under-5 deaths in 30 villages in Mandiana district was conducted over 12-months. A social/verbal autopsy questionnaire gathered information on the family and environment as well as detailing the events surrounding the illness and death. If the child had been treated at a health center, the records were examined. A total of 353 deaths were identified and 330 caretakers were interviewed. The Pathway to Survival (PTS) Model was used to analyze care-giving and careseeking behavior. Results: For 10.3%(34) of the children, no action was taken, 17.5%(58) received home care and 28%(92) were not taken to any health provider. Although 88.2% of the children had a danger sign, this was poorly recognized by the caretakers. 72%(238) of the children received outside care, including traditional healers(69.3%), relatives(8%), the formal health system(55.3%) and drug sellers(41%). Care provided by health workers was adequate, 71% of children receiving average or good care. Although 21.5%(71) of the caretakers recognized the illness, sought and received adequate care, it was too late for survival. Conclusions: Critical steps in the PTS are poor access to formal health services and their quality. Although caretakers recognized the illness they delayed timely careseeking from formal health providers. Formal providers were able to provide average to good care but it maybe too late to save the child’s life.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.