Sustained Effect of Behavioural Change Communication among Mothers of Children with Diarrhoea

Abstract

Introduction: Mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding diarrhoea and its management are important for home based management of children. Behavioural change communication (BCC) activities are known to modify the KAP however the effect needs to be sustained. Hence this study, to evaluate sustained effect of BCC on KAP of mothers/caretakers regarding diarrhoea in hospitalized children was planned. Methods: In this prospective study, mothers/caretakers of children hospitalized with diarrhoea were interviewed using a questionnaire. BCC activity was conducted using a pretested structured tool. Effect of BCC was assessed at discharge and at six months after the activity. Results: Of the total 130 children included over a year, 60 out of 78 patients admitted in first six months could be followed at home. Significant improvement in knowledge of definition & cause of diarrhoea, dehydration and signs of dehydration, due to BCC activity was noted at discharge which was sustained at six months. Awareness about danger signs, ORS and homemade fluids also improved from baseline to discharge and at 6 months. Conclusion: BCC activity for mothers results in improvement in knowledge which may improve outcomes of diarrhoea in children; hence it should be an integral part of diarrhoea management in children.

Keywords

• Children
• mother
• diarrhoea
• behavioural change communication