A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study on Awareness Regarding Rheumatic Heart Disease among mothers attending Bashair Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan 2021.

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of throat infections caused by group A streptococci represent the basis of the primary prevention of rheumatic heart disease. A preventable condition that is associated with high mortality rates among children, thus mandating a thorough understanding by their primary caretakers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness about rheumatic heart disease in mothers coming to the outpatient department of Bashair teaching Hospital south region of the capital Khartoum. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study carried in the outpatient department of both pediatris and obstetric units at Bashair teaching Hospital. The study population was mothers from different age groups. Data was collected through interviewer-administered questionnaire addressed to assess awareness on rheumatic heart disease. Results 150 mothers were interviewed most of them were in the 26–35 age group (42.67%). Nearly half of the mothers (43.3%) had primary school level of education, only 5.3% of the mothers reported having heard about rheumatic heart disease and only 2% knew the relationship between throat infection and heart disease. Factors associated with an adequate knowledge of RHD were: Monthly income (p = 0.01), post-secondary level of education (p = 0.004), and having heard of RHD (p = 0.001). Conclusions levels of knowledge and awareness on rheumatic heart disease among mothers is low. This study provides an important insight into the perception and practices related to sore throat that can be used to guide future awareness activity campaigns aiming to reduce the risk of RHD in Sudan. Recommendations: to execute a large scale campaign aiming to improve the awareness of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, and to educate mothers about the importance of adequate care of sore throat in children and the hazardous outcomes of its negligence.