Assessment of Childhood Pneumonia Case Management at Primary Healthcare Facilities in Jigawa State

Pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of child mortality globally, and the quality of case management at the primary healthcare level in Nigeria's north-western states determines whether sick children receive timely life-saving treatment. This study assessed childhood pneumonia case management practices at primary healthcare facilities in Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional health facility assessment was conducted in 15 PHCs across Dutse, Jahun, and Birniwa LGAs. Data collection tools included direct observation of case management encounters using IMCI observation checklists (30 children aged 2 to 59 months per facility), structured interviews with facility health workers, and facility resource assessment checklists. Assessment domains covered respiratory rate counting, chest indrawing assessment, danger sign recognition, appropriate antibiotic prescribing, and caregiver counselling. Results showed that respiratory rate was correctly counted in only 48.3 percent of observed encounters. Chest indrawing was assessed in 53.3 percent. Appropriate antibiotic classification and treatment was correctly applied in 56.7 percent of pneumonia cases. Danger sign assessment was complete in only 38.3 percent. Amoxicillin availability was confirmed in 73.3 percent of facilities. Healthcare workers trained in IMCI in the preceding two years managed pneumonia significantly better than untrained counterparts (p < 0.001). The study recommends refresher IMCI training, commodity supply chain strengthening, and supportive supervision systems for PHC facilities in Jigawa State. Keywords: childhood pneumonia, case management, primary healthcare, Jigawa State, IMCI