A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS IN MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHEA IN UNDER FIVE CHILDREN

Dr. N. Mohamed Naveed; Dr.Padmavathy.K

Volume : VI, Issue : I, January - 2017

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS IN MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHEA IN UNDER FIVE CHILDREN

Dr. N. Mohamed Naveed, Dr. Padmavathy. K

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is one of the major health problem encountered in childhood. Every year around 760,000 children die due to this disease globally. Most of the deaths were prevented by correcting the fluid loss with recommended home fluids and oral rehydration solution. Bu t over the last decade, momentum has slowed with decline in the use of ORS due to lack of knowledge.

OBJECTIVE: The knowledge of mothers with under-five children was assessed about their perception on diarrheal disease and its management and its impact on socioeconomic status, educational and occupational status. .

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Around 400 mothers of different socioeconomic status participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used in this study. Information was obtained on the knowledge of diarrhea, its causes, food management, prevention, use of ORS and Rotavirus vaccine. A scoring system was determined and their knowledge was assessed accordingly.

RESULTS: The study showed diarrhea was much prevalent in our society. Majority of mothers felt that bottle feeding had no impact on diarrheal disease. Inspite of good awareness with ORS the usage rate among the mothers was found to be low. On assessing their knowledge status. Around 80% of mothers had moderate knowledge about the disease and its management. Mothers in socioeconomic status 4 and 5 had poor knowledge about diarrhea compared to other classes. Awareness of rotavirus vaccine was found to be poor.

CONCLUSIONS: Priority should be given to mothers belonging to lower socioeconomic status about the importance of fluid replacement and use of ORS during diarrheal illness. The impact of bottle feeding to diarrhea has to be explained to the mothers. The various misconceptions on east feeding has to be cleared through the health education process.