Awareness of quantity of ORS and Zinc among mothers of under five children with diarrhoea at a tertiary care Centre Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To assess mothers’ knowledge about the quantity of oral rehydration salt and zinc in the management of diarrhoea. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from May to August 2019 at The Children’s Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised mothers accompanying children aged <5 years admitted with diarrhoea complaints. Data was collected regarding demographics and mothers’awareness of signs of dehydration in diarrhoea, familiarity with the term oral rehydration salt, its correct preparation and administration and zinc supplementation. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 334 mothers interviewed, 154(46%) were able to identify the signs of dehydration. Maternal awareness regarding use of oral rehydration salt and zinc in diarrhoea were significantly associated with maternal education and socioeconomic status (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to generate awareness among mothers about the use of oral rehydration salt and zinc in diarrhoea.