Mothers with under five children's knowledge and practices towards home management of diarrhoea in lusaka district.

Abstract

The study was conducted in Lusaka district, and targeted two compounds: these are misisi and kabwata. The purpose of the study aimed at determining mothers'/caretakers'knowledge and practices towards home management of diarrhea. Literature review was based on child rearing practices and traditional beliefs regarding diarrhea and its management. A pilot study was conducted in one of the compounds in the district to test the two. The study is descriptive in nature and data was collected by interviewing 50 mothers / caretakers with under five children. The data collected was analyzed manually with aid of a scientific calculator and the responses were processed and categorized. The compounds used for the study were selected at random. A sample of 50 mothers /caretakers was selected using systematic random sampling. The study reviewed that only 4 (8%) of the respondents agreed that they always receive health talks on the management of diarrhea at home. The majority 24 (48%) of the respondents on home management of diarrhea stated that they did not know how to manage a child with diarrhea at home. Therefore, healthcare providers at the health centers need to take time in explaining to the mothers /caretakers on how to manage the child with diarrhea at home. This will help increase knowledge in the mothers / caretakers and will help reduce the morbidity and mortality rates attributable to diarrhea diseases.