THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MATERNAL AWARENESS, HYGIENE PRACTICES, AND THE INCIDENCE OF DIARRHOEAL CASES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN LAHORE

Abstract

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among children under five years of age and causes 53,000 child deaths in Pakistan annually. Lahore, being densely populated, is the most affected area compared to the other cities of Punjab. This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the urban areas of Lahore, in the surroundings of the Punjab University. A questionnaire was filled out by 100 participant mothers whose child was affected at least once. Several variables were evaluated, and significance was checked using Chi-square. Of the total of the participants, 85% of the mothers were aware and mainly educated. About two-thirds (63%) of children were vaccinated for Rotavirus. Hand washing habits and safe drinking were significantly reducing the incidence. Spreading more awareness through media, stopping the unnecessary use of medications, promoting hand washing practice and increasing awareness about the Rotavirus vaccine will help reduce the incidence and prevalence of diarrhea.