Effectiveness of pamphlets on knowledge and practice regarding oral rehydration among mothers of under five children

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children. Correct knowledge regarding oral rehydration therapy (ORT) helps prevent morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea. Our objective was to assess the awareness, knowledge and practice of mothers of under-five children regarding ORT and home management of diarrhoea and effectiveness of pamphlets regarding knowledge and practices of oral rehydration therapy.Methods: A pre-experimental (one group pre-test & post-test) quantitative study conducted at King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, U.P. Subjects selected by purposive sampling technique and pre-test and post test conducted after explain nature of study and distribution of pamphlets containing information about diarrhoea and ORS.Results: Pre-test knowledge score of subjects regarding diarrhoea and oral rehydration showed that 64 percent of mothers having moderately adequate knowledge and 36 percent were having inadequate knowledge. Post-test knowledge score showed Significant improvements, 72.72 percent of subjects having adequate knowledge and 27.27 percent of subjects having moderately adequate knowledge and results were highly significant. Pre-test score of mothers regarding practice of oral rehydration therapy showed that majority (45.45%) of subjects having inadequate knowledge, 41.81% of subjects having moderately adequate knowledge and only 12.72% of mothers having adequate knowledge. Post-test score ct showed significant improvement in their practice regarding diarrhoea and ORS.Conclusion: Mothers were having moderately adequate knowledge about diarrhoea and dehydration. Although most of them could prepare commercially available packets of the O.R.S, but they could not prepare the O.R.S at home. Teaching of mothers about signs of dehydration and preparing and using O.R.S can help to reduce the mortality and morbidity of under five children.