Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers with Children Under Five Years towards Diarrheal Diseases in Displaced People Camp

Abstract

A cross sectional-community based study was conducted in Al-Salaam displaced people Camp to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers with under five years children towards diarrheal diseases, the study aimed to study knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers with under five years children towards diarrheal diseases. 380 mothers with fewer than five children were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The data collected through structured questionnaire designed to cover all research objectives and observations. The statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data; the results were presented in figures. The study clarified that mothers have low knowledge regarding the possible causes of diarrheal diseasess. Large number of mothers (70.5%) believe that tooth loss is a major cause of diarrhea in children under five years old, regarding practices during diarrheal infections, 50.8% of mothers increased numbers of meals to their children. Very small numbers of mothers (28.2%) prepared oral rehydration salts solution correctly, most mothers believe in seeking health services when home management was failed, sanitation was very weak, the majority (78%) of residences were using shared toilets. The study recommended that the local health authorities should increase knowledge of mothers about diarrheal diseases and its management through health education sessions, provision of clean water and sanitation services.