Determinants of Modern Paediatric Healthcare Seeking in Rural Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Objectives: To determine factors that influence healthcare seeking among children with fatal and non-fatal health problems. Methods: Last disease episodes of surviving children and fatal outcomes of children under 5 years of age were investigated by means of an adapted social autopsy questionnaire administered to main caregivers. Descriptive analysis and logistic models were employed to identify key determinants of modern healthcare use. Results: Overall, 736 non-fatal and 82 fatal cases were assessed. Modern healthcare was sought for 63.9% of non-fatal and 76.8% of fatal cases, respectively. In non-fatal cases, young age, caregiver being a parent, secondary or higher education, living <5 km from a health facility, and certain clinical signs (i.e., fever, severe vomiting, inability to drink, convulsion, and inability to play) were positively associated with modern healthcare seeking. In fatal cases, only signs of lower respiratory disease were positively associated with modern healthcare seeking. A lack of awareness regarding clinical danger signs was identified in both groups. Conclusion: Interventions promoting prompt healthcare seeking and the recognition of danger signs may help improve treatment seeking in rural settings of Côte d’Ivoire and can potentially help further reduce under-five mortality.