The social demographic factors affecting caretakers’ adherence to the use of Steenbeck foot abduction brace among children with clubfoot below 2 years at Mulago National Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:
This study aimed at investigating the social demographic factors affecting caretakers’ adherence to the use of Steenbeck foot abduction brace among children aged two years below at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in which primary quantitative data were obtained from 30 caretakers of children with club foot below 2years of age.

Results:
The majority of the participants,10(33.3%), finished primary school, 6(20%) attained secondary level, and 2(6.7%) finished university level. 6 (20%) babies were 5 months and below, 11(36.7%) babies were between 5 and 12 months, and 13 (43.3%) children were between 12 to 23months. The majority of the children were male, 20(66.7%), compared to females, 10 (33.3%). More than half of the respondents were from urban areas 20, 66.7%), and 10(33.3%) were from rural areas. 7(23.3%) were married, 8(26.7%) were single, of the 10(33.3%) and 5(16.7%) the former lost their husbands (widows), and the latter lost their wives (widowers). children with one limb affected (unilateral) were 14(46.7%) and 16(53.3%) had both limbs affected (bilateral). 3(10%) of the caretakers were between 18 and 23 years, 9(30%) were between 24 and 29 years, 11(36.7%) were between 30 and 44 years, and those 45 and above were 7 (23.3%).

Conclusion:
Children whose caretakers were peasants had a high incidence of clubfoot. This could have been due to financial constraints they face, as they couldn’t afford the braces for their children even when they wished to.

Recommendations:
Mulago National Referral Hospital should determine an average price of these braces that the orthopedic workshops should charge the clients, taking into consideration the low-income earners.