Adherence to Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses Guideline in Treating South Sudanese Children with Cough or Difficulty in Breathing

Abstract EN

Background.

Pneumonia substantially kills children aged 2–59 months in South Sudan.

However, information on health workers adherence to Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) guideline in treating children with cough/difficulty in breathing remains scarce.

This study assessed factors associated with adherence to IMCI guideline in Aweil East County, South Sudan.

Methods.

This cross-sectional study involved 232 health workers from 36 health facilities.

Data collected using structured questionnaire and checklist was double-entered in EpiData and analyzed with STATA at 5% significance level using logistic regression.

Results.

Respondents mean age was 32.41±7.0 years, 154 (66.4%) were males, 104 (44.8%) reached secondary education, and 190 (81.9%) had certificate.

23 (9.9%, 95% CI: 6.4–14.5) adhered to IMCI guideline.

Holding diploma (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.97; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.82–26.67; P=0.005), shorter time to follow guideline steps (AOR = 12.0; 95% CI: 2.73–61.66; P<0.001), and nondifficult use (AOR = 27.7; 95% CI: 5.40–142.25; P<0.001) were associated with adherence.

Conclusion.

Adherence was low.

Academic qualifications, guideline complexity, and availability of IMCI drugs were associated factors.