Knowledge, attitude and practice of acute diarrheal disease and use of oral rehydration therapy among mothers of under five children

Abstract

Background: Acute diarrhea in children is among the commonest causes of outpatient and inpatient attendance in medical setup. Though enough has been done in imparting knowledge about diarrhea and its management, there is a gap between knowledge and practice in the population. Aim of the study is to assess the mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice about diarrhea in children.Methods: Cross-sectional survey, conducted in the pediatric department of a peripheral hospital in Pune, Maharashtra.Results: Of the 305 mothers surveyed, their knowledge about diarrhea was good with 77.1% knowing correct definition, and most mothers knowing correctly about its mode of transmission, the positive role of good hygiene & sanitation, breast feeding and oral rehydration therapy (ORT) in prevention and management of acute diarrhea. However, their attitude and practice were found lacking, with higher rate of bottle feeding (59.3%) and lesser use of standard (46.3%) as well as home based (69.9%) ORT measures.Conclusions: There is discrepancy between the knowledge and practice. Hence, there is the need of sustained efforts in imparting both knowledge and practice among the population.