Abstract:

Background: Infantile colic, characterized by prolonged and unexplained crying in healthy infants, is a significant source of stress for both infants and caregivers, often leading to suboptimal breastfeeding. Effective management strategies are crucial to reduce stress and improve the wellbeing of both infants and mothers. However, there has been limited research exploring the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of infantile colic among breastfeeding mothers and healthcare providers in Mwanza region, Tanzania.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of healthcare providers and breastfeeding mothers regarding infantile colic in Mwanza region, Tanzania.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. A cross-sectional study, using a structured questionnaire, assessed the knowledge and practices of infantile colic among 140 healthcare providers working in reproductive and child health (RCH) clinics in Nyamagana and Magu districts of Mwanza. In-depth interviews were conducted with breastfeeding mothers of infants aged between 1 to 6 months to assess perceptions and practices, recruited from the same RCH clinics. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis for qualitative data, while descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, used to analyze quantitative data, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Participants were from Nyamagana and Magu districts, with a slight majority from Magu 72 (51.4%). Most participants worked at dispensaries 74 (52.9%) and were predominantly female 94 (67.1%). The median age was 36 years, with the largest age group being 26-35 years old (44.3%). Education levels varied, with many holding certificates 69 (49.3%) or diplomas 46 (32.9%). The mean years of experience was 7.44 years. Regarding knowledge, 73 (52.1%) of healthcare providers demonstrated poor knowledge, with varying opinions on the causes. While 103 (73.6%) identified the correct diagnostic criteria, only 40 (28.6%) properly assessed severity. A total of 67 (47.9%) providers practiced evidence-based management, and 91 (65.0%) consistently provided parental education. Logistic regression revealed that working in hospitals (OR = 7.466, p = 0.003) and health centers (OR = 15.256, p < 0.001) significantly predicted good practice, while factors like years of experience, district, gender, and age showed no significant association. Mothers generally recognized infantile colic by its symptoms, primarily the incessant crying. However, many were unclear about the underlying causes. Traditional remedies and dietary changes were frequently used, with 68% of mothers perceiving colic as a spiritual or ancestral condition.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The study reveals varied knowledge of infantile colic among healthcare providers in Mwanza, Tanzania, with notable gaps in understanding its causes and diagnostic criteria. While many providers showed good knowledge, inconsistencies in practice highlight the need for standardized guidelines and training. Additionally, breastfeeding mothers often rely on traditional remedies and spiritual beliefs rather than consulting healthcare providers, demonstrating the strong influence of cultural practices on colic management. These findings underscore the importance of integrating cultural sensitivity into healthcare practices and improving education for both providers and mothers to enhance colic management.