KAP SURVEY ON USE OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IN ACUTE PAEDIATRIC DIARRHEA AMONG YOUNG DOCTORS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Zinc given as a combination therapy to new formulation of ORS has become an efficient approach for the treatment of acute Paediatric diarrhoea. Objective of present study is to find the perception, use and awareness of zinc use in acute paediatric diarrhoea among young medical doctors.
 Subjects and Method: Present study is a descriptive prevalence study. Study population consisted of young doctors working in medical, Paediatric and surgery wards. Data was collected by administering a structured questionnaire to the study population. Questionnaire was constructed and was pre-tested by researchers.
 Results: Study population consisted of 158 young doctors working in a Tertiary Care Hospital. 78.5% of them were familiar with zinc supplementation. 60% of the study participants knew role of zinc in decreasing stool volume and 63.3% knew that it reduces the stool frequency. Around 50% were aware of the role that zinc played in intestinal water reabsorption, 47% of the doctors knew the role of zinc in re-epithelisation of the intestinal mucosa. 65.8% of the participants consented to WHO protocol of giving zinc in adjunct to ORS reduces hospital stay.
 Conclusion: Present study revealed that a large number of the doctors were familiar with role of zinc supplements in management of diarrhoea in young children.. But specified knowledge on role of zinc in controlling Paediatric diarrhoea was sub optimal.