Denno D M, Bentsi-Enchill A, Mock C N, Adelson J W
Department of Paediatrics, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903.
Ann Trop Paediatr. 1994;14(4):293-301. doi: 10.1080/02724936.1994.11747732.
Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of paediatric mortality and morbidity, particularly when associated with delays in treatment. A study of mothers' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding ARI in their children aged less than 5 years was conducted in an urban Ghanaian population. One hundred and forty-three women traders were interviewed in open air markers in Kumasi, Ghana. Based on Western standards, there was a poor maternal understanding of the aetiology of ARI. A variety of herbal and home care therapies, including some which have potentially harmful effects, were routinely employed for the prophylaxis and treatment of ARI. For example, castor oil and enemas (25.9%) were reported as agents to prevent ARI, and antibiotics were prescribed by the parents in 39.9% for treating coughs. While the mothers exhibited an understanding of symptoms which differentiate between mild and severe ARI, a substantial number indicated that they would delay accessing a health care facility in the presence of the following symptoms which signify severe respiratory distress: dyspnoea (11.2%); tachypnoea (18.9%); chest retraction (21.7%); cough, fever and anorexia (30.0%); and cough, fever and lethargy (57.3%). These findings support the need for an ARI health education programme in Ghana.
急性呼吸道感染（ARI）是儿童死亡和发病的主要原因，尤其是在治疗延误的情况下。在加纳城市人口中开展了一项关于母亲对其5岁以下儿童急性呼吸道感染的知识、态度和做法的研究。在加纳库马西的露天市场对143名女商贩进行了访谈。按照西方标准，母亲们对急性呼吸道感染的病因了解不足。人们经常采用各种草药和家庭护理疗法来预防和治疗急性呼吸道感染，其中一些疗法可能具有有害影响。例如，蓖麻油和灌肠剂（25.9%）被报告为预防急性呼吸道感染的药物，39.9%的家长为治疗咳嗽而自行开具抗生素。虽然母亲们能够识别区分轻度和重度急性呼吸道感染的症状，但相当一部分人表示，在出现以下表明严重呼吸窘迫的症状时，她们会推迟前往医疗机构：呼吸困难（11.2%）；呼吸急促（18.9%）；胸壁凹陷（21.7%）；咳嗽、发热和食欲不振（30.0%）；以及咳嗽、发热和嗜睡（57.3%）。这些研究结果表明加纳有必要开展急性呼吸道感染健康教育项目。
