Aetiology and Management of Congenital Club Foot: Evaluation of Perception of Mothers in Nnewi ……Mother’s Perception on club foot

Abstract

Background: Congenital clubfoot (CF) also known as Congenital Talipes EquinoVarus deformity (CTEV) is a common congenital deformity of the foot involving one or both feet. Numerous aetiologic hypotheses have evolved on how clubfoot develops. However, research findings do not support any particular theory. Parents and caregivers have given different interpretations to the cause of clubfoot, and this has, to a large extent, influenced their care-seeking attitude. It is therefore important to ascertain the knowledge and perception of mothers, in our environment, on the aetiology and management of club foot, thus necessitating this study in Nnewi. Methodology: This is a cross sectional descriptive study involving pregnant women and mothers, who were consecutively recruited from the antenatal and postnatal clinics, and the orthopaedicout patient clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. Information were obtained from them using an interviewer-based, structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical package version 20.I BM Illinois. Results: One hundred and thirty women were recruited for the study. Most of them were educated, with up to 114 (87.7%) of them having either senior secondary or tertiary education as their highest educational level. Ninety of the respondents (69.2%) had heard about clubfoot deformities, and 20 (15.4%) of them, felt that clubfoot foot deformity was as a result of poor delivery methods. Up to 85 of the respondents (94.4%) had no perception about the cause of the deformity. Only 70 (53.8%) mothers felt that this problem could be treated. Conclusion: This study has shown poor perception amongst women and mothers in our environment, about the cause of club foot and its management. This may serve as a guide for public enlightenment.