Background Early detection and treatment of childhood infections are crucial for preventing disease progression and reducing mortality among children under five years of age. However, evidence shows that only about 46% of Malawian caregivers seek prompt medical care for childhood illnesses such as diarrhoea. This study explored the factors influencing caregivers’ care-seeking behaviour for children under five with diarrhoea at Bangwe Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using 15 in-depth interviews with caregivers of children affected by diarrhoea. The interviews were conducted in Chichewa, audio-recorded with participants’ consent, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analysed thematically. Sampling continued until thematic saturation was reached. Results Four main themes were identified. Individual factors, particularly the child’s health status, encouraged early care-seeking, whereas limited awareness of the importance of early treatment contributed to delays. Health system barriers, including staff shortages, negative attitudes of healthcare providers, limited availability of medicines, and long waiting times, further delayed access to care. Economic and geographical barriers, including travel costs and reliance on home remedies, also negatively affected care-seeking for childhood diarrhoea. Conclusions Improving the early diagnosis and treatment of childhood diarrhoea requires a holistic approach. Interventions should strengthen caregiver health literacy, improve health service delivery by addressing workforce and medicine shortages, and reduce geographical barriers through improved infrastructure and community-based services. These efforts are essential to improving child health outcomes in Malawi.
Sabola et al. (Fri,) studied this question.