Knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding use of Oral Rehydration Solution in management of diarrhea

Abstract

Background: Globally, there are nearly 1.7 billion cases of diarrhoeal disease every year. Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old. It is both preventable and treatable. Key measures to treat diarrhoea include rehydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution. Aims: The aim of this study is to find out the knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding use of ORS in management of diarrhea in an urban slum area. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was carried out on 400 mothers attending the OPD at urban health centre of the teaching hospital in Bhopal in Central India. Data was collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire which asked information regarding the knowledge of mothers about ORS, method of preparation, source of information about ORS and the role of ORS in the management of diarrhoea. Results: Out of 400 interviewed mothers 74% were literate. Most of these belonged to the lower socio economic class. Only 156 knew the correct method of ORS preparation and its use. It was also seen that 48 mothers did not know about ORS. The most common source of information was health care providers. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding method of use of ORS for management of diarrhoea was found to be inadequate in this study. More measures need to be adopted to improve this knowledge and make mothers aware about the use and availability of ORS.