A study of maternal awareness of acute diarrhoeal disease

Abstract

Objective To determine maternal awareness regardingacute diarrhoeal disease and use of oral rehydrationsolution (ORS).Method Study was carried out in a suburban familypractice on mothers/carers of children, presenting withacute diarrhoea, using an interview-based questionnaireto collect data. Mother's/Carer's knowledge regardingcauses and transmission of diarrhoea, use of ORS and itsmethod of preparation, were assessed.Results Knowledge about causative factors and transmissionof acute diarrhoea among mothers/carers waspoor. Though aware of ORS, a majority prepared itincorrectly.Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2003; 32: 66-8(Key words: Maternal awareness, acute diarrhoeal disease, children) doi: 10.4038/sljch.v32i3.705