Every day, Nigeria witnesses the loss of approximately 2,300 children under the age of five, primarily due to preventable and treatable conditions such as pneumonia, malaria, and diarrhoea. These high mortality rates are disproportionately higher in rural areas compared to urban regions, where primary health care (PHC) centres often represent the only accessible medical services. Given that PHC centres serve as the first point of contact with the healthcare system for most Nigerians, it is imperative to assess the capabilities of health workers in these facilities, particularly in the management of paediatric emergencies.

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and skills of health workers in PHC centres in Zaria concerning the management of common paediatric emergencies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 139 health workers in PHC centres, randomly selected through a multi-stage sampling technique from both Sabon Gari and Zaria Local Government Areas. Data collection was performed using a pre-tested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 21, with the chi-square test applied to assess associations, and results presented in tables and charts.

The findings revealed a generally low level of knowledge and skills in managing common paediatric emergencies among the health workers surveyed. Specifically, 66 (48.5%) of the respondents exhibited very poor knowledge of the causes of common paediatric emergencies, 32 (23.5%) had poor knowledge, 34 (25.0%) demonstrated good knowledge, and only 4 (2.9%) had excellent knowledge. In terms of treatment knowledge, 46.7% of respondents had very poor knowledge, 34.1% had poor knowledge, 16.3% had good knowledge, and only 3.0% had excellent knowledge. Diagnostic skills were similarly deficient, with 41 (37.3%) of respondents displaying very poor skills, 39 (35.5%) poor skills, 26 (23.6%) good skills, and only 4 (3.6%) exhibiting excellent skills. Additionally, 24.8% of respondents had very poor skills in the treatment of paediatric emergencies, 42.3% had poor skills, and 32.8% had good skills, with none achieving excellent skills. A statistically significant relationship was observed between academic qualification and knowledge of causes (p=0.004) and treatment (p=0.000), as well as between academic qualification and diagnostic skills (p=0.006).

The pervasive low level of knowledge and skills among PHC health workers is alarming, particularly given Nigeria's already dire childhood mortality statistics. These findings underscore the urgent need for a strategic partnership between the Department of Paediatrics at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the Department of Primary Health Care in Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Governments. Such collaborations could facilitate quarterly training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing the management of paediatric emergencies in these critical frontline health centers.

Paediatric emergencies, Nigeria, Primary healthcare, Healthcare workers

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