[Scarification in children hospitalized in Congo]
Insights
Scarification, a common practice in Congo, is often performed for therapeutic reasons but carries significant risks. This study highlights its prevalence, complications, and the need to discourage this practice among children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Medical Anthropology
Context:
- Scarification is a prevalent cultural practice in Congo, particularly among children.
- The study was conducted in a general hospital setting, focusing on neonatology and pediatric inpatients.
Purpose:
- To describe the epidemiologic, prognostic, and clinical features of scarification in children in Congo.
- To analyze the indications, methods, and complications associated with scarification.
Summary:
- A 3-year study in Congo observed 130 children with scarifications, primarily for therapeutic reasons (e.g., 'big belly', stagnation, bronchitis).
- Razor blades were the most common instrument; risk factors included being the oldest sibling and low socioeconomic status.
- Complications such as local and severe infections occurred in 34 cases, underscoring the risks of scarification.
Impact:
- Findings indicate scarification remains common in Congo despite potential complications and lack of therapeutic efficacy.
- Highlights the need for interventions to eliminate scarification practices due to associated health risks.
Objective:
The purpose of this report is to describe the epidemiologic, prognostic and clinic features of scarification in children in Congo.
Material And Method:
A transversal study of scarification was conducted from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 in children hospitalized in neonatology and pediatrics department of Loandjili General Hospital.
Results:
During the study period, therapeutic scarifications were observed in 130 patients including 74 (56.9%) girls. Median age was 17 months (range, 1 month to 9 years). Multiple scarifications were observed in 31.5% of cases. The main site of scarification was the hypochondrias (82.4%) followed by the flanks (14.6%) and hemithorax (13.8%). Scarification was performed for curative purposes in 114 cases (88%; p 0.001) and prophylaxis in the remaining cases. The main indications for curative scarifications were big belly in 46 cases, ponderal stagnation in 23 and recurrent bronchitis in 22. The most frequently used scarification instrument was a razor blade in 102 cases (78.5%). Risk factors included being the oldest sibling child and low socioeconomic level. In all cases, the influence of the grandparents was clear. Complications were treated in 34 cases including local infection in 26 cases, distant infection (particularly severe sepsis) in 7 cases and pulmonary-pleurostaphylococci in one case.
Conclusion:
These findings show that scarification is still common in the Congo. Because of potential complications and therapeutic inefficiency of scarification, an effort should be made to eliminate this practice.
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