Knowledge and Practice on Diarrhea Management among mothers of under five year Children

Abstract

Introduction: Diarrhea is one of the commonest cause of morbidity in children in developing countries. In Nepal, the prevalence of diarrhea is about 15% with higher rate in rural areas. The reduction in diarrhea may be due to correct case management as per standard treatment guidelines recommended by WHO and use of oral rehydration therapy as keystone in the diarrhea management.In developing countries, Water, Sanitation and hygiene (WASH) is a crucial aspect of public health. Unfortunately, inadequate WASH leads to death of approximately 842,000 individuals each year, accounting for 58% of all deaths caused by diarrheal diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and management practice of diarrhea among mothers of under five children in community of Balwa Municipality, Mahatori, Nepal.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Balwa Rural Municipality targeting mothers of children under five years. Using purposive sampling, a sample size of 384 were selected based on confidence level of 95% and an acceptable error of 5%. Data were collected through structured individual interviews with a self-administered questionnaire, pretested on 10% of the sample population. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel anddescriptive analysis was performed by SPSS 16.
Results: The study revealed that most mothers in Balwa Municipality have a high awareness of diarrhea transmission and ORS preparation but exhibit varied management practices. Despite adequate knowledge of diarrhea management, many mothers demonstrate poor practices, particularly in fluid intake and dietary management during diarrhea. The analysis showed a significant discrepancy between knowledge and practice levels, with a notable portion of mothers lacking effective management practices. Socio-demographic factors such as education and income also influenced these practices.
Conclusion: The study revealed that mothersof Balwa Municipality possess substantial knowledge about diarrhea management, gaps remain in practical application. Inadequate practices influenced by socio-demographic factors undermine effective diarrhea management. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and interventions is crucial for improving child health outcomes. Enhancing practical skills alongside knowledge is essential for better management of diarrhea in the community.