Maternal morbidity from guinea worm in Nigeria and its impact on child survival

Mothers of children aged 2 years and under were the primary target; in-depth interviews were conducted with 42 mothers suffering from guinea worm. Analysis was based on four major variables: self-care; child care; domestic activities; and economic pursuits. Findings indicated that during bouts with guinea worm, women"s mobility was severely impaired, affecting their self-care functions as well as their ability to perform normal chores both inside and outside of the home. As women"s income supports most of the costs incurred for child care, loss of work time had a direct impact on providing for the children. In addition, mothers were less able to attend to their children, particularly if the children needed health care. Affected mothers and children received some aid from family and friends, but economic activities often took the well members away from the home, leaving the sick members alone. The study stresses the need to link guinea worm control and water supply projects with child survival programs, and the importance of women"s participation in these programs.