atresia and anorectal malformations. The participants who knew about birth defects first heard about this from a doctor or nurse, 47 (25.7%), posters in the hos-.
Knowledge of birth defects among nursing mothers in a developing country
The study will serve to provide baseline information on the awareness of mothers about birth defects in general. It will, in addition, provide information on the awareness of mothers about the possible prevention, early detection and care of newborns with these defects.
Taiwo Akeem Lawal1, Oyindamola Bidemi Yusuf2, Akinola Ayoola Fatiregun2 1. University of Ibadan, Department of Surgery; University College Hospital, Department of Surgery 2. University of Ibadan, Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Abstract
Background: In the absence of established guidelines, where formal screening is unavailable for birth defects, a lot of responsibility is placed on parents in the recognition of these defects. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the awareness of mothers about birth effects in a developing country and assess what they know about the prevention, detection and treatment of children with birth defects. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 714 mothers consecutively selected at two major hospitals in Nigeria between May and December, 2012. Data were collected with interviewer administered questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS and statistical significance set at p 30
