Nigeria continues to grapple with alarmingly high under-five mortality rates, with approximately 2,300 children dying daily due to preventable and treatable diseases such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrheal illnesses. This crisis is particularly pronounced in rural areas, where childhood mortality rates are significantly higher than in urban centres. For many rural communities, primary healthcare (PHC) centres serve as the sole access point to medical services, making these centres critical to addressing this public health challenge. Despite their importance, PHC centres often face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to essential medications, and a shortage of adequately trained health personnel.

This study aimed to implement and evaluate a Paediatric Emergency Management Training Program for healthcare workers at PHC centres in Zaria, Kaduna State. The primary objective was to assess the effectiveness of the training in improving the competency of health workers in managing common paediatric emergencies, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care provided at these centres.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 139 healthcare workers from selected PHC centres in Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas, utilizing a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data collection was performed using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire designed to evaluate the participants' baseline knowledge, followed by an assessment after the training intervention. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21, with chi-square tests employed to examine the associations between variables. Results were presented using tables and charts for clarity.

The findings revealed a generally low baseline competency in managing common paediatric emergencies among the healthcare workers. Specifically, 66 (48.5%) of the respondents demonstrated very poor knowledge regarding the causes of common paediatric emergencies, 32 (23.5%) had poor knowledge, 34 (25.0%) had good knowledge, and only 4 (2.9%) of the respondents exhibited excellent knowledge. Similarly, knowledge regarding the treatment of these emergencies was also lacking, with 46.7% of respondents showing very poor understanding, 34.1% having poor knowledge, 16.3% demonstrating good knowledge, and only 3.0% showing excellent knowledge. A statistically significant relationship was observed between academic qualifications and knowledge levels in both causes (p = 0.004) and treatment (p = 0.000) of paediatric emergencies.

The low baseline knowledge underscores the critical need for targeted training interventions. The study highlights the importance of establishing a sustained partnership between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Departments of Primary Health Care in Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Governments. Regular training workshops, held quarterly, are recommended to continuously equip PHC workers with the necessary skills to effectively manage paediatric emergencies, ultimately contributing to a reduction in childhood mortality rates in the region.

Paediatric emergencies, Nigeria, Primary healthcare, Healthcare workers

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