Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude  and Practices of Mothers of Under–fives  Regarding Diarrhoea in Rural Field  Practice Areas

Dr Arshiya Masood; Prof Zulfia Khan; Dr Iqbal M Khan

Volume : III, Issue : II, February - 2014

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers of Under–fives Regarding Diarrhoea in Rural Field Practice Areas

Dr Arshiya Masood, Prof Zulfia Khan, Dr Iqbal M Khan

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea is the second leading killer of under–fives. Most of the deaths are preventable, treatable and occur in rural areas. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study is a tool of educational diagnosis. It helps in planning and decision making. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mother of under–fives regarding diarrhoea. 2. To provide suggestive measures if required. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross sectional study was carried out in rural field practice areas. We included 400 women having children less than five years by simple random sampling. Mothers of children were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Results were analysed using test of percentages. RESULTS: All women were aware that a change in consistency (watery/loose) is diarrhoea followed by increase in frequency more than three times (75%). One fifth didn�t know reasons for getting diarrhoea. Those who thought they knew only a quarter of them knew that diarrhoea occurs due to contamination from outside. Around 60 per cent mothers have given less food and 20 per cent less fluid than usual to their children during episodes of diarrhoea. Only 38.5 per cent have given more fluid during episodes of diarrhoea which is recommended. 42.75 per cent have given same as usual. Only 66 per cent received ORS, of these only two third used ORS. Only half of these knew correct methods of making and giving ORS. Reasons for not using it were no faith in ORS (62.20%) followed by child doesn�t like it (20.73%) and doesn�t know how to make it (12.20%). Sugar salt solution was used by 53 per cent. Around 50 per cent knew correct method of making and using it. Knowledge about some food based solution and special food (Khichdi etc.) to be given during diarrhoea was in 43.25 and 68.50 per cent respectively. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Unawareness and misconceptions in mothers regarding knowledge, attitude and practices related to diarrhoea are significant. A need for behaviour change by empowering women with correct information is felt.