Knowledge and use of oral rehydration solution in the home management of diarrhea among mothers of under fives in Jos, Plateau State

Abstract

Background: Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 1.8 million childhood deaths annually, accounting for 17% of childhood deaths. Death can occur following severe dehydration if body fluids and electrolytes are not replenished either through the use of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) solution or intravenous fluid. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the level of use of ORS among mothers of under fives. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 158 mothers of under-fives attending the FHC between November 2014 and April 2015 using quantitative method of data collection. Epi info statistical software version 3.5.4 was used for data analysis with a 95% confidence interval was used in this study and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The mean age of the respondents in this study was 29 ±5 years. Good knowledge of ORS was found among 94 (59.5%) of the respondent with a corresponding 96 (60.8%) engaging in good use of ORS in the management of diarrhoea disease for their under five children. Use of ORS in management of diarrhoea disease was significantly influenced by level o knowledge of ORS, age of the mothers, availability of prep-packed ORS and tertiary education. Conclusion: This study revealed a fairly high level of knowledge and practice of ORT in the home management of diarrhoea amongst mothers of under–fives.