ASSESSING AWARNESS AND KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CLUBFOOT AMONG PRE-NATAL WOMEN
Abstract
Background: Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus, is a common congenital musculoskeletal deformity that can lead to pain, functional limitations, and lifelong disability if not identified and treated at an early age. Lack of awareness among mothers and families may contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Prenatal women, as potential primary caregivers, can play an important role in early recognition and timely management.
Objective: To assess the awareness and knowledge regarding clubfoot among prenatal women in Hyderabad, Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100 prenatal women in Hyderabad over a period of six months following synopsis approval. Participants were selected through a convenient non-probability sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire adapted from a previous study on knowledge and perceptions regarding clubfoot in Karachi, Pakistan. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Participants were included after providing informed consent, and confidentiality and anonymity of the collected information were maintained.
Results: The findings demonstrated a low level of awareness and knowledge regarding clubfoot among prenatal women. Only 30% of participants reported that they knew about clubfoot, while 40% did not know about the condition and 30% were uncertain. Regarding risk factors, 76% of participants did not know any risk factor associated with clubfoot. Similarly, 80% were unaware of the optimum age for initiating treatment. Relatives and friends were the most commonly reported source of information (31%), followed by affected persons (30%) and websites (20%). Regarding the first-line treatment, 60% of participants identified physiotherapy, 35% reported surgery, and only 5% identified casting. Furthermore, 60% did not know the expected recovery associated with physiotherapy, while 70% were unaware of recovery following foot casting.
Conclusion: The study concludes that awareness and knowledge regarding clubfoot among prenatal women in Hyderabad are considerably low, particularly regarding risk factors, early diagnosis, optimum treatment age, and appropriate management. Increased awareness programs, health education, seminars, and effective communication by healthcare professionals are recommended to improve early recognition and timely referral for clubfoot treatment. Improving maternal knowledge may contribute to earlier intervention and help reduce the risk of long-term disability associated with untreated clubfoot.
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