International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies
Volume 3, Issue 4, 2023
The Perception of Birth Defects among Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Community in Nigeria
Author(s): Aliu O Yakubu, Eunice F Olorunsola, Isoken T Adefarakan, Roseben CN Achi, Rukayat A Adeniran, Habeeb A Azeez, Benjamin O Eromosele, Ibukun J Adedoyin, Moyosoreoluwa E Odole, Haruna A, Opeoluwa O Ifonlaja, Ogbuehi O John, Oluwakanmi A Omoge, Gideon E Shaibu, Adeyemi Adelabu
Abstract:
Background
Birth defects are a major global cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children under the age of five. In developing nations, newborn children are not regularly screened, so adequate information about birth abnormalities will be crucial for early detection.
Objective
This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, perception and prevention practices of birth defects among women of reproductive age in Igbo-Ora.
Methods
This was a descriptive cross-sectional study among 360 women between the age of 15-49 years in Igboora, Ibarapa Central Local Government, Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria. Data collection was by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data management was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21
Results
360 responders in all were evaluated. The majority (54.7%) of women of childbearing age were well-informed on the risk factors for birth abnormalities. Good knowledge was found to significantly correlate with education level, occupational class, and religion. The majority of women of reproductive age (53.1%) had a positive attitude on birth defects.
Conclusion
Birth defects are preventable and more than half of the women that participated in this research had good knowledge and attitude towards birth defects.
Keywords: Birth Defects, Reproduction, Rural Community, Nigeria
Pages: 1032-1038
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