Knowledge attitude and practices of childhood diarrhea and ORS administration in diarrhea amongst mothers of children below age 5 years: A hospital based cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction: Basic minimal information about care of children in diarrhea and ORS use is necessary for early recovery. To plan anti diarrheal program, its important to know the knowledge, beliefs, practices of diarrhea understanding and management including ORS; in community.Methods: A crosssectional survey of 300 serial mothers of under five children presenting to a hospital were enrolled and data regarding awareness of loose motion definition; ORS use, diet in diarrhea and beliefs and practices was collected by using a prevalidated questionnaire.Results: Most (74.59%} mothers were in age group of 20-30 year old home makers. Only 31.97% wereaware of diarrhea leading to dehydration. Teething was considered a prime cause of diarrhea by 32.64% mothers. Rice based food was preferred in diarrheas by only 45.96% mothers. Only 35.26% knew that extra fluids are needed in diarrheas. Sixty six percent mothers had knowledge of home based ORS but only 22% knew correctly. ORS dose was not known to 89.5% of mothers.Conclusion: There is a serious need for modifying diarrhea control programs with community education.Incomplete information is likely to cause complications and delay in recovery.