KNOWLEDGE OF THE CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF PNEUMONIA AMONG MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN AGED 0–5 YEARS IN ANINRI TABLE OF CONTENT

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:
1-Department of Public Health
2-Department of Nursing Science
3-Department of Community Health
4-Department of Health Education

TOPIC: KNOWLEDGE OF THE CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF PNEUMONIA AMONG MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN AGED 0–5 YEARS IN ANINRI

TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study 
1.2 Statement of the Problem 
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses 
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope of the Study 
1.8 Definition of Terms  
CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Conceptual Review
2.2 Theoretical Framework 
2.3 Empirical Review 
2.4 Summary of Literature Review
CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY    
3.1 Research Design    
3.2 Research Setting         
3.3 Target population
3.4 Sample size 
3.5 Sampling technique    
3.6 Instruments for data collection     
3.7 Validity and Reliability of Instrument
3.8. Pilot Study    
3.9 Method of data collection 
3.10 Method of data analysis     
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Data Presentation
4.2 Demographic Analysis 
4.3 Analysis of the Level of Knowledge of the Causes of Pneumonia among Mothers with Children Aged 0–5 Years in Aninri Local Government Area
4.4 Analysis of Mothers’ Awareness of the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia among Children Aged 0–5 Years in Aninri Local Government Area
CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
5.1 Discussion of Findings    
5.2 Implications of findings to nursing 
5.3 Limitations of the study 
5.4 Summary of the study  
5.5 Conclusion 
5.6 Contribution to Knowledge 
5.7 Recommendations 
5.8 Suggestions for further studies  
References
Appendix

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to examine the knowledge of the causes and prevention of pneumonia among mothers with children aged 0–5 years in Aninri Local Government Area. The study was specifically carried out to determine the level of knowledge of the causes of pneumonia among mothers, assess mothers’ awareness of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia among children, examine the level of knowledge of pneumonia prevention measures among mothers, and identify factors influencing mothers’ knowledge of pneumonia causes and prevention in Aninri LGA. The study employed the survey descriptive research design. Hence, the questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). A total of 1,248 mothers constituted the population of the study before a sample size of 303 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane formula, while 288 respondents were validated as the final sample using a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratified and convenience sampling methods. The participants consisted of mothers with children aged 0–5 years in Aninri Local Government Area. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings reveal that 48.6% strongly agreed and 31.3% agreed that pneumonia is caused by bacterial and viral infections, while 52.1% strongly agreed and 29.5% agreed that poor hygiene contributes to pneumonia. The study also showed that 48.6% strongly agreed and 31.9% agreed that fast breathing is a key symptom, while 49.3% strongly agreed and 33.3% agreed that environmental cleanliness prevents pneumonia. Likewise, exposure to media and health education influenced knowledge, with 48.6% strongly agreeing and 31.3% agreeing that media messages improve awareness. The study therefore recommends that government and health agencies should intensify community health education programs, strengthen antenatal and postnatal health talks, increase media-based awareness campaigns, and improve female education to enhance mothers’ knowledge and reduce pneumonia prevalence among under-five children in Aninri Local Government Area.
Keywords: Pneumonia, Mothers, Knowledge, Prevention, Children Under-Five.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background of the Study
Child health is a core priority in public health and is an ongoing challenge in the world today because of the persistent burden of infectious diseases that cause both death and developmental issues in early childhood. Even today, respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5, especially in low and middle income areas where health care services are restricted. Kyu et al. (2022) state that in children, lower respiratory tract infections are one of the major causes of death globally, indicating ongoing health system and care-giving vulnerabilities. In the same way, Graham et al. (2025) highlighted the strong connection between childhood respiratory diseases and their environment, as well as poor health prevention. Ahmed et al. (2024) also highlighted the importance of maternal awareness and decision-making in shaping early childhood health outcomes. Ezeh et al. (2021) also noted that socioeconomic and behavioral determinates are factors that affect infectious diseases in early childhood. These global views provide the general background to the understanding and management of childhood respiratory conditions.
Pneumonia is a key condition of concern, as it is one of the most severe respiratory conditions and ranks high in the incidence among children aged 0-5 years within the spectrum of respiratory illness. Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs characterised by inflammation of the alveoli, which may result in fluid accumulating in the alveoli and difficulty with oxygen exchange. Rahman et al. (2022) reported that pneumonias are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, including the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Isiko et al. (2024) stated that droplet spread and close contact with infected persons are common modes of spread. Moreover, Mitiku et al. (2024) also described that young children are more susceptible to environmental risk factors including indoor air pollution and overcrowding. Oluwafemi et al. (2024) also stated that poor immunity and malnutrition increase the risk of getting infected severely. It is crucial to understand the etiological factors of pneumonia to develop effective preventive methods and enhances child survival outcomes as Ahmed et al (2024) reiterated.
Knowledge and health practices, especially mothers' as primary caregivers, are major contributors to preventing pneumonia. Knowledge of prevention encompasses knowledge of immunization schedules, early signs and symptoms and good nutrition, hygiene practices, and seeking healthcare in a timely manner. Asifat et al. (2025) indicated that maternal knowledge plays a significant role in compliance with childhood vaccination program to minimize the chances of respiratory infections. Tonui et al. (2025) highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and good environmental sanitation as preventative strategies. Grace & Abiodun (2025) noted that mothers with higher health literacy are more likely to practise preventive behaviours that lower the risk of infection. Rahman et al. (2022) further reported that the use of health education interventions enhance preventive practices and limit the spread of the disease in families. Oluwafemi et al. (2024) also emphasized the importance of equipping caregivers with accurate health information as a key factor in reducing the incidence of pneumonia in children.
In Nigeria, Pneumonia is still a major childhood killer, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where health education and health services could be low. Knowledge of the cause and prevention of pneumonia is a major factor in the health of children in communities like Aninri, where the knowledge of mothers is of particular importance. Ezeh et al. (2021) noted that the differences in maternal health awareness contribute to the differences in child health practices in the regions. Isiko et al. (2024) also found that community health education can positively affect the preventive practices of caregivers in resource-limited communities. Graham et al. (2025) highlighted the importance of bolstering primary healthcare systems for improved early detection and prevention of childhood infections. Mitiku et al (2024) also identified local contextual factors that affect mothers' health seeking behaviours. Asifat et al. (2025) again emphasized the importance of gauging maternal knowledge in communities like Aninri, as this gives insight to designing interventions that will definitely help improve child health outcomes.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
The health of children under five years has remained a major indicator of population wellbeing globally and locally, with particular attention given to respiratory infections due to their contribution to childhood morbidity. Pneumonia as one of the major respiratory diseases of this age group, has continued to be a focus of research interest due to its preventability and its contribution to child mortality. Kyu et al. (2022) reported that respiratory infections were also a key component of under-five morbidity globally, and Ahmed et al. (2024) noted that caregiver knowledge had a significant impact on early childhood health outcomes. In many communities mothers were the main carers and would make decisions about health care. Rahman et al., (2022) also observed that mothers' awareness of children's diseases had an impact on prompt action in response to health issues. This provided a foundation to explore the relationship between maternal knowledge and prevention of pneumonia in children under 5 years.
Although the health interventions to prevent childhood pneumonia are ongoing, there is a gap between recommended practices and maternal knowledge and behaviours. The ideal response of mothers of children aged 0-5 years was having good knowledge of the causes of pneumonia, knowing the signs of pneumonia and using protection measures like immunisation, breastfeeding and environmental hygiene. In many low resource settings, however, this ideal situation hasn't been realized. Inadequate awareness among mothers was linked to a delay in seeking health care, according to Isiko et al. (2024), while Grace & Abiodun (2025) reported on the persistent health literacy gaps among caregivers that impact preventive practice. Moreover, Rahman et al. (2022) determined that exposure to health information was not always effective in application. This showed that there is continued gap between knowledge and practice among mothers in pneumonia prevention.
The situation in Aninri may be similar, with variations in maternal knowledge potentially impacting the prevention and management of pneumonia in children 0–5 years. While primary healthcare and child immunization services are available, the level of awareness mothers had regarding the causes and prevention of pneumonia was unclear. Community specific assessments that identified gaps in knowledge among caregivers was highlighted as important by Ahmed et al. (2024), and contextual and environmental factors were found to influence childhood disease prevention outcomes by Kyu et al. (2022). There was a research gap on the level of information mothers received on pneumonia prevention as there was insufficient evidence on maternal knowledge in Aninri. Hence the objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of the causes and prevention of pneumonia among mothers of children aged 0-5 years in Aninri for the purpose of providing evidence for pneumonia's health education and health outcome of children.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to assess knowledge of the causes and prevention of pneumonia among mothers with children aged 0–5 years in Aninri. The specific objectives of the study seek:
1.Determine the level of knowledge of the causes of pneumonia among mothers with children aged 0–5 years in Aninri Local Government Area.
2.Assess mothers' awareness of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia among children aged 0–5 years in Aninri Local Government Area
3.Assess the level of knowledge of pneumonia prevention measures among mothers with children aged 0–5 years in Aninri Local Government Area.
4.Examine the factors influencing mothers' knowledge of the causes and prevention of pneumonia in Aninri Local Government Area
OTHER PARTS OF CHAPTER ONE INCLUDE:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Research Hypotheses
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 scope of the study
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of pneumonia, causes of pneumonia, signs and symptoms of pneumonia, prevention of pneumonia, knowledge of pneumonia among mothers, and factors influencing the knowledge of the causes and prevention of pneumonia among mothers with children aged 0–5 years in Aninri. The chapter covers the following subheadings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises mothers in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State who have children aged 0–5 years.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 303 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratification and convenience sampling to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies and percentages to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), were used to test the hypothesis.

CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made:

i. The study found that mothers in Aninri Local Government Area have a high level of knowledge of the causes of pneumonia among children aged 0–5 years, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing that pneumonia is caused by bacterial and viral infections, poor hygiene, dirty environments, and exposure to cold weather and dust. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.58 and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

ii. The study found that mothers in Aninri Local Government Area have a high level of awareness of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia among children aged 0–5 years, as evidenced by the majority of respondents recognizing fast or difficult breathing, high fever, persistent cough, loss of appetite, and weakness as symptoms associated with pneumonia. The corresponding hypothesis test further showed a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.63 and a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.

iii. The study found that mothers in Aninri Local Government Area demonstrate a high level of knowledge of pneumonia prevention measures, as evidenced by the majority of respondents agreeing that maintaining a clean environment, exclusive breastfeeding, handwashing, avoiding exposure to smoke and dust, and completing childhood immunization help prevent pneumonia among children aged 0–5 years.

iv. The study found that mothers’ knowledge of the causes and prevention of pneumonia in Aninri Local Government Area is influenced by access to healthcare facilities, health education from hospitals, exposure to media and radio health messages, cultural beliefs, and level of education, as evidenced by the majority of respondents acknowledging the importance of these factors in improving their knowledge of pneumonia causes and prevention.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Discussion of Findings    
5.2 Implications of the findings
5.3 Limitations of the Study 
5.4 Summary 
5.5 Conclusion
5.6 Contribution to Knowledge
5.7 Recommendations
5.8 Suggestions for Further Studies

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