1MSc Nursing in Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal University
2Assistant Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, Manipal University, Manipal
*Corresponding author: E Binu Margaret, Assistant Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal, Manipal University, Manipal, Udupi district. Pin: 576104, Karnataka, India, Email: binumarg@gmail.com, binumarg@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 14 October, 2016.
Common cold and ear ache are one of the major problems which occur due to infection in children. Tribal populations use different practices to get rid of these infections.
The objective of the study was to assess the practices of the Koraga tribes during common cold and ear ache in children.
The study used a descriptive survey approach to collect data from 200 Koraga tribal care takers using a practice questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 software.
Majority 110 (55%) of caretakers were using pepper, 49 (24.5%) were using lemon and honey mixture and 19 (9.5%) were using ginger for common cold. Other practices include applying Vicks vaporub over forehead, nose and neck 156 (78%), using pepper and black cumin kashayam 21 (10.5%) and samabarbelle leaves 23 (11.5%). Practices during ear ache in children includes, 96 (48%) of caretakers were not practicing any home remedies, 58 (29%) putting oil into the ear, 14 (7%) putting water into the ear and 32 (16%) of sample were observing and cleaning the ear with soft cotton. Other practice includes dry fish water into the ear 11 (5.5%).
The study concluded that majority of Koraga tribes still practice many home remedies to treat the children with common cold and ear ache.
Practices, common cold, ear ache, common childhood illness
