Urban-Rural Differences in Care-Seeking for Childhood Febrile Illnesses Among Mothers of Under-Fives in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Despite inroads in treatment and prevention, childhood febrile illnesses remain global public health issues. Optimal care-seeking by mothers could influence health outcomes. Objective: To assess the differences in care-seeking patterns and practices for childhood febrile illnesses among mothers of under–fives in urban and rural areas of Anambra state, Nigeria. Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional analytical mixed-method study. Multistage sampling technique was used to enrol 600 mothers of under-five children accessing child welfare clinics at the Primary Health Care facilities in Anambra state. Analysis of data was carried out using SPSS version 22; with alpha set at p-value ≤ 0.05.Triangulation of findings of the survey and thematic content analysis of the Focus Group Discussion was done. Results: Appropriate care was sought by 134 (44.7%) of the urban and 125 (43.2%) of the rural respondents (p = 0.458). Prompt appropriate care was sought by 122 (40.7%) of the urban and 98 (36.7%) of the rural respondents (p = 0.042). Distance to the health facility, determinant of place of care-seeking and possession of health insurance were significantly associated with appropriate and prompt care-seeking patterns among the mothers. Conclusions: Appropriate and prompt care-seeking is generally poor among the respondents in both localities. A reorientation of mothers on appropriate and prompt care-seeking practices through continuous health education and other awareness creation processes is needed.