ABSTRACT
Introduction
Abdominal scarification is a common practice among rural dwellers with significant effect on childhood morbidity & mortality.
Aim
This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of abdominal scarification and contributory factors among young children aged less than 10 years of age and their mothers/ female care givers in Ewohinmi, Esan south east local government area of Edo state
Methodology
This study includes an inceptive hospital study, followed by a household( community) study.
The preliminary hospital study included 106 children( 2-9 years) within the study population who were seen in a secondary health facility in the community The household study assessed 270 children within the same age group & their mothers/caregivers in the 2 wards in Ewohinmi. Cluster sampling was used and a total of 162 houses with 302 households however 21 households did not have the age group 2 -9 years of age for the study, 10 had incomplete data while one declined for personal reasons.
Results
The prevalence of abdominal scarification was assessed and visual inspection done only. 270 mothers/ female caregivers with children within 2-9 years participated in the community study while 106 children participated in the hospital study. The mean age of the mother and female caregivers was 34.12 ± 6.1 77 years and 5.28 ± SD 1.653 years for children in the household survey. 143(53%) had abdominal scarification with 137 (50.7%) done by native and traditional cutters. Knowledge of what “ude” is was fair as 173 (64.1%) gave appropriate response as abdominal swelling. 203(82.6%) attributed malaria and fever as a cause of abdominal swelling & splenomegaly. 270 (100%) knew at least one person that had had a cut on the abdomen for abdominal swelling why 277(6.7%) believe the swollen belly should be cut.
Conclusion
The study shows that the practice of abdominal scarification ids significantly high in Ewohinmi and is deeply rooted in the people within the community. Community mobilization and advocacy will be important in reducing this trend
Keywords: abdominal scarification, children
