Home Management of Childhood Diarrhoea: A Survey of Mothers in Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2017, Vol 26, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Diarrhoea is a leading cause of under–five morbidity and mortality. Diarrhoeal deaths can be prevented by adequate case management of diarrhoeal episodes in children. With majority of cases being treated initially or completely in the home and community, the level of awareness of diarrhoea and simple home management practices among caregivers are key determining factors to reducing diarrhoea morbidity and mortality in children. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, perception and practice of home management of diarrhoea of children under five years of age by mothers in Uyo. Methods: The study was carried out in two selected primary health centres in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria from December, 2015 to March, 2016. A structured pre–tested questionnaire was used to interview 351 mothers of under five children visiting the selected primary health centres for child immunization within the study period. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Programme for the Social Science (SPSS) version 16. The responses of our respondents were graded into high, average and poor knowledge of childhood diarrhea and its management at home. Results: Of the 351 mothers interviewed, only 21.3% of the respondents had high level of knowledge of childhood diarrhea and its management at home, while a higher proportion of the respondents (30.4%) had poor knowledge of childhood diarrhoea and its management at home. 17.9% of the respondents reported to have never used Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in managing childhood diarrhea at home. Moreover, 70.37% of the respondents reported that they have never used zinc tablet in the management of childhood diarrhoea at home. A higher knowledge grade was significantly associated with the age, parity and educational level of the mother. Conclusion: The level of knowledge of childhood diarrhoea and its management at home in Uyo is less than optimal. There is need for increased awareness of childhood diarrhoea and its management at home among mothers in Uyo.
Authors and Affiliations
Eshiet, Unyime Israel, Olorunsola, Emmanuel O.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP312756
- DOI 10.9734/IJTDH/2017/35704
- Views 79
- Downloads 0
Perspectives on Community Tuberculosis Care in Nigeria
Tuberculosis (TB) has been declared a public health emergency in Nigeria. Currently, the country has the highest TB burden in Africa and the third in the whole world behind China and India only. Further complicating the...
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Infection among Nurses in Public Hospitals of Niger State, Nigeria
Aim: This is a cross sectional descriptive study that evaluated knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HBV infection among nurses in public hospitals in Niger State North Central part of Nigeria. Study Design: The s...
Evaluation of Health Inequity Status of In-School Youths in Uyo Capital Territory, Nigeria
In any emerging urban territory, there are bound to be opportunities and advancements that will create alteration in the social order leading to social and economic classes. The resultant variations in socioeconomic stat...
Evaluating Toxicity Profile of Garlic (Allium sativum) on the Liver, Kidney and Heart Using Wistar Rat Model
Background: The medicinal values of Allium sativum has been extensively described in a number of studies. Additionally, it has shown antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of microorganism; bacteria, fungi and pa...
Prevalence and Correlates of Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis among Female Students in Bingham University
Aim: To determine the prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis and Trichomonas vaginalis among female students in Bingham University. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Biological Scie...