Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers Regarding Diarrheal Risk Factors and Management in under 5 Children: A Cross Sectional Survey in Dadu and Badin Districts of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding risk factors for diarrhea and its management in children under five years of age living in rural districts of Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two union councils of Dadu and Badin Districts of Sindh in 2014. The sample size from each Union council was n=450. Cluster sampling technique was utilized for selection of households in both of the Union Councils. Personal interviews were conducted from mothers by trained data collectors on pretested questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done on SPSS version 20. Results: 46% in Badin and 44% under 5 children in Dadu had suffered an attack of acute diarrhea in the last three months. Regarding the signs of dehydration, 36% mothers identified that absence of tears as a principal sign of dehydration in Badin, while 41% in Dadu identified lethargy as the chief sign. Contaminated water and stale food was identified as a cause of diarrhea by most participants in both districts. 48% in Badin and 41% in Dadu identified hand washing the most important method for prevention against diarrhea. When management of diarrhea was taken into account for majority 50% mothers it was through ORS. Conclusion: Knowledge on diarrhea and its treatment and prevention was found to be bleak in our survey among rural residents of Sindh. Results displayed poverty besides illiteracy, improper water and sanitation facilities and unhygienic practices serving as barricades dragging down health indicators similar to other rural parts of the country.

Keywords

• mothers
• pakistan under 5 children
• rural areas
• management
• diarrhea
• risk factors