Perceptions 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 both qualitative and quantitative methods. Research design was cross sectional and sampling method was Purposive. A sample size of 50 research participants were selected.40 for qualitative and 10 women were interviewed by using questionnaires. Inclusion criteria were women with children below five years. Care givers coming from homes with mothers having children more than one and health professionals (nurses) stationed at the Dansoman Polyclinic. Data collection tools that were used for this study were: Focus Group Discussion interview guide. 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 caregivers. The cost of transportation, caregiver‘s busy schedules and negative attitudes of health professionals are reasons for caregivers 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 message 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.