Ogbanje Phenomenon; Mothers Perception, and Childhood Morbidity MORBIDITY

Authors

  • U. Anyanwu Onyinye Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
  • T. Eseonu Chinonyelum Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
  • B. Ezeanosike Obumneme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
  • O. Cliford Okike Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State
  • C. Roland Ibekwe Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v37i1.16373

Keywords:

Ogbanje, Mother’s perception, Childhood morbidity

Abstract

Introduction: A cultural myth Ogbanje have existed among the Ibo people of Nigeria. These children may have morbidities that are manageable while some normal children may have to live with the stigma of being labelled such. The objective of this study was to assess mother’s perception of ogbanje phenomenon and morbidity in ogbanje children.

Material and Methods: This was a Cross-sectional study amongst mothers having the concept of “Ogbanje” children who were clinically examined. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Variables were compared with χ2. p<0.05 was accepted as significant.

Results: A total of 64.8% believed in “Ogbanje”. Commonest presentation of “Ogbanje” was frequent illness (47.3%). Only 12(3.3%) would seek orthodox care for ogbanje children. Examined “ogbanje” children had sicklecell anaemia, structural anomalies, and diabetes. Four (9.5%; n=42) children were normal.

 Conclusion: Ogbanje myth still exists in the minds of mothers and affects health seeking behaviour. Ogbanje children may have manageable illness and sometimes may be normal.

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Author Biographies

U. Anyanwu Onyinye, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Consultant Paediatrician

T. Eseonu Chinonyelum, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Consultant Community Paediatrician

B. Ezeanosike Obumneme, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Consultant Community Paediatrician

O. Cliford Okike, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Consultant Paediatrician

C. Roland Ibekwe, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Consultant Paediatric Neurologist

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Published

2017-10-04

How to Cite

Onyinye, U. A., Chinonyelum, T. E., Obumneme, B. E., Okike, O. C., & Ibekwe, C. R. (2017). Ogbanje Phenomenon; Mothers Perception, and Childhood Morbidity MORBIDITY. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 37(1), 79–82. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v37i1.16373

Issue

Vol. 37 No. 1 (2017)

Section

Alternative Medicine

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