Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding management of childhood diarrhoea among mothers attending the MOH clinics in Ambalangoda area

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the maternal knowledge, attitude and practices regarding management of childhood diarrhoea in Ambalangoda MOH area, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Methods: This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional study in Ambalangoda MOH area between October 2015 and December 2015.Three hundred eighty four mothers who had five years or less than five years old children were recruited for the study. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data are presented as descriptive summary statistics. Results: Three hundred and eighty four mothers were recruited for the study. The mean age of the mothers was 26.17 (SD+/- 4.59) and 41.1% (n=158) mothers had an education up to advanced level. Of the study sample 48.69% (n=187) had a moderate level of knowledge and 43.75 (n=168) had a good level of knowledge regarding management of diarrhea. Only 42.91 % (n=165) mothers stated that they use Jeewani as an oral rehydration therapy commonly. Information of ORS was well disseminated however only (52.6%) of the mothers had an adequate knowledge on preparation of oral rehydration salts. Majority of mothers (92.18%) had a good knowledge regarding preventive practices of diarrhoea. Conclusions: Majority of the mothers knew proper management of diarrhea however only 43% used Jeewani in the management of diarrhea of their children. Only 53% followed proper instructions when preparing Jeewani. Knowledge on proper use of ORS needs to be strengthened. Though knowledge on diarrhea management among the study sample was satisfactory and knowledge on proper use of ORS needs to be strengthened.