MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING DIARRHOEA IN UNDER FIVES.

SARITA K. SHARMA; SONALI S. PATIL; SHRUTI SHUKLA

Volume : VI, Issue : VIII, August - 2017

MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING DIARRHOEA IN UNDER FIVES.

Sarita K. Sharma, Sonali S. Patil, Shruti Shukla

Abstract :

Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under–fives. Mothers play an important role in preventing diarrhoea and associated deaths. Present cross–sectional study was carried out in 575 mothers attending Immunoprophylaxis Clinic of Community Medicine Department, GMCH, Nagpur to assess their awareness and practices regarding diarrhoea. Eating contaminated food, improper maternal diet, early weaning, and worm infestation were commonly cited causes. Common danger signs known were persistent diarrhoea, drowsiness, refusal to feed and frequent vomiting followed by dry tongue etc. Preventive measures like using boiled water, keeping food and water covered and washing of hands were known to around one–third of the mothers. More than 50% were practising fluid or food restriction during diarrhoeal episodes and very few were using home remedies. Mothers had inadequate knowledge regarding diarrhea and many of their practices were improper.