HOME MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHOEA AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Abstract

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Mothers of under five children play a critical role in the home management of diarrhoea but little is known about their practices. This study was therefore conducted to determine the home management practices of diarrhoea among mothers of under-five children in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State. A descriptive cross-sectional study using, a four-stage random sampling technique was used to select 420 mothers of under-five children in wards, communities, compounds and households. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Knowledge of respondents on causes of diarrhea, signs and prevention of dehydration was assessed using a 31-point scale. Attitude towards diarrhoea management was determined using a 20-point scale while an 18-point scale was used to assess home management practices of diarrhea. Respondents with knowledge scores ≥21 and <21 were classified as having good and poor knowledge, respectively. Scores of ≥10 points and <10 were regarded as positive and negative attitude, respectively. Scores of ≥9 points and <9 were classified as good and poor practices of home management of diarrhea. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were use for data analysis at p=0.05. Age of respondents was 28.8±6.4 years. Ages at marriage and at first pregnancy were 21.5±3.7 and 21.7±3.8 years, respectively. More than half (52.1%) of the respondents had secondary school education. Identified cause of diarrhoea were: consuming contaminated food (95.2%) and drinking unclean water (96.6%). Excessive thirst (88.0%) and sunken eyes(89.4%) were identified by the respondents as signs of dehydration while promoting breastfeeding (96.2%) and hand washing with soap( 86.5%) were identified as preventive measures against diarrhoea. The mean knowledge score was 22.9±4.5, and the proportion with good knowledge was 74.0%. Majority (80.5%) of the respondents would like to give Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) with cup and spoon when their children have diarrhoea and majority (81.0%) agreed that all children with diarrhoea should be taken to the hospital immediately. More than half (52.9%) of the mothers had under fives with diarrhoea in the two weeks preceding the study. Remedies used at home include drugs from patent medicine vendors (18.6%), ORS (17.1%) and traditional medicine (3.8%). Only 18.8% sought medical help when the child was not getting better after home treatment. Some of the respondents (46.2%) could name the right composition of ORS but majority (75.5%) preferred to buy than prepare it. The proportion of respondents with good practice was 57.7% with a practice score of 9.7±3.1. A significantly higher proportion of mothers had positive (39.8%) compared with negative (23.8%) attitude towards care had good practice. Mothers of under-five children in Ido Local Government Area had good knowledge of causes of diarrhoea and its prevention. However, their home management practices was fair. A community-based programme on basic home management practices of diarrhoea would be necessary intervention.