Knowledge of Rural Iraqi Mothers and its Related Factors on the Care of Children with Common Health Problems

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge of rural Iraqi mothers and their related factors on the care of children with common health problems.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCCs) in Karbala Iraq from 1st December 2024 to 30th April 2025.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 217 mothers referred to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) unit in the. The samples were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire.

Results: The mean maternal knowledge score was 16.1 ± 2.6. While 89.9% correctly maintained feeding during diarrhoea, 81.1% held misconceptions about antibiotic use. Education level, number of children, and income were
significantly associated with knowledge, accounting for 18% of the variance.

Conclusion: The maternal education, economic status, and parenting experience are crucial determinants of mothers' knowledge on the care of children with common health problems.