Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Parents Regarding Conservative Management of Club Foot in National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala -Kano

Congenital talipes equinovarus, commonly referred to as clubfoot, is a prevalent congenital deformity affecting about 1 in 1,000 births. If not addressed, it can lead to serious physical and socioeconomic issues. The aim of the present study to determine the knowledge, parental awareness and understanding of clubfoot. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dala Kano, Nigeria, involving 100 parents of children under 2 years diagnosed with clubfoot. Data were collected through structured questionnaires aimed at assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning conservative management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, and findings were presented as percentages. The respondent demographic was predominantly female (81%), with 53% aged between 18 and 25 years, and 71% identifying as Hausa. While 71% were aware of clubfoot, primarily through social media (42%), 68% lacked knowledge about its causes. All parents recognized clubfoot as treatable, with 99% preferring hospital care over traditional practices. Compliance was exceptionally high: 100% attended follow-ups, 90% accepted foot manipulation, and all expressed satisfaction with the treatment results. Bilateral cases comprised 84%, and 71% of affected children were second-born. This study underscores the effective outcomes achieved through the Ponseti method, as evidenced by high parental satisfaction. However, significant gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding the condition's etiology, remain. Social media has emerged as a vital information source, highlighting its potential role in health education. The observed demographic trends, including the prevalence among Hausa families and second-born children, indicate areas for further investigation.