Awareness and Knowledge of Mothers Regarding Home Management of Diarrheal Disease for Children Less Than Five

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among children less than 5 years of age. Adequate rehydration therapy is the most important aspect of management. Home-based Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) prevents morbidity and mortality. In this study, our objective was to assess the awareness and knowledge of mothers regarding home management of the diarrheal disease for children less than five years in Gaffer Ibnauf specialized children’s hospital. Methods: This study was descriptive cross-sectional in gaffer ibnauf specialized children hospital. A questionnaire was provided to all the mothers admitted by children under five. in gastroenteritis word. Results: A total of 50 mothers60% of mothers have an aware understanding of the term childhood diarrhea. 52% of mothers were aware of signs of diarrhea. 48.0% of mothers aware of the severe symptoms noticed in children with diarrhea. 40.0% of mothers identify the mode of diarrhea spread, and more than halve the mothers had poor knowledge. 52.0% of mothers are aware of the danger of diarrhea. 42.0% of respondents were aware that dehydration is associated with acute loss of water and salt from the body. 52.0% of responders had good knowledge about the management of diarrhea. 64.0% of the respondents were aware of the composition of oral rehydration therapy. 48.0% of the respondents had knowledge of how to avoid some diets (like fat and fiber) in order to prevent diarrhea. Conclusions:- The study concluded that mothers had good knowledge about definition, signs, symptoms, main danger of diarrhea, the composition of ORT, importance of fluid and breastfeed continuation, and they had poor knowledge about the diet control types of diarrheal diseases and mode of its transmission.