European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Over the last several decades, there has been some decline in mortality rate in association with diarrhea and this has been attributed to the use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), better supplemental feeding, improvement in hygiene and sanitation and mother education; however, the use of ORS is greatly affected by mothers knowledge and attitude toward using it in treating their children with diarrheal disease. This study was aimed to figuring out maternal knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to ORT use in diarrheal illness and the main maternal characteristics that can predict such attitude and practice.The current study was designed to be a cross sectional study enrolling 400 mothers of children aged between 2-59 m. with history of diarrheal disease. Those mothers were asked to fill a questionnaire form regarding residency, level of education, parity, occupation,did they use ORS for their children or not during diarrheal disease. Mothers who did not use the ORS were asked about the reasons for such behavior. Mothers who used the ORS were asked about their source of knowledge about ORS,the way of preparation of ORS,the type of ORS, the frequency of administration, the method of administration and their beliefs regarding the benefit of ORS. The results of current study revealed that out of 400 mothers including in this study 232 (58%) used ORS to treat there children during diarrheal disease.There was no significant association between use of ORS and residence, level of education, parity and occupation (P > 0.05). Mothers who used ORS had good knowledge about the advantages and the way of preparation and use of ORS and their main source of knowledge was primary health care centers. Mothers who did not use ORS admitted to have no idea about its advantages because no one has told them about these advantages. a significant proportion of mothers in our community lack necessary knowledge about the advantages of ORS in treating diarrheal disease in children and that there is urgent need to adopt health campaign to raise the awareness of women in our society regarding this common health issue.