Perception And Practices Related To Child Welfare Clinic Attendance Among Women Attending Dansoman Polyclinic

Abstract

The research was conducted to identify reasons why women attend Child Welfare Clinic (CWC) for a shorter duration as recommended. The study had three objectives and these were to establish nursing mother’s perception of the benefits of CWC, determine factors that motivate mother’s to continue to attend CWC until the fifth birthday of their child or children and determine factors that influence the duration of CWC attendance. The study used qualitative research method (Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview) and the design was cross sectional sampling method was purposive. A sample of 50 participants were selected for the study, these were made up of mothers who had children below five years, and health professionals (nurses) stationed at the Dansoman Polyclinic.

The study established that, mothers were aware about the benefits of CWC and were kept abreast with the services provided at CWC. The findings showed that, there are a lot of factors that motivate mothers to attend CWC such as early detection of diseases and treatment. Information on growth monitoring, immunization, treatment of minor ailments and counselling mothers. The cost of transportation, mother’s busy schedules and negatives attitudes of health professionals are reasons for mothers limiting duration of CWC attendance. In conclusion, although mothers were aware of benefits of CWC, there are barriers such as long waiting hours, distance from home to clinic, cost of transportation which makes them stop attending before recommended five years. The study recommended that, there should be more home visits, health facility managers matrons should send mothers text messages reminders and or run CWC on weekends. There should be continuous public education by community health nurses on the benefits of CWC to encourage parents, particularly mothers to take their children to the CWC. There should also be arrangements to provide CWC services at nursery schools and market places which will serve as alternative means and matrons should ensure that, nurses on duty at the CWC comply with the policies on customer service