Volume : IX, Issue : IX, September - 2019

Knowledge of Oral Rehydration Therapy in Mothers of Children with Diarrhoea and Dehydration

Venkateshwarlu. P, Radha Mohan. M

Abstract :

Background: Diarrhoea is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the children. Children who survive develop malnutrition as a result of repeated episodes of diarrhoea and inadequate feeding during and following diarrhoea. Approximately 90% of these cases can be successfully treated with ORT and continued east feeding without using anti–diarrheal drugs and antibiotics. The optimum management of diarrhoea is, therefore, not only to reduce morbidity and mortality, but also to prevent malnutrition. Correct knowledge regarding Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) helps to prevent morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea. Objective: a) To identify cases of diarrhoea among children at paediatrics OPD, b) To assess the awareness, knowledge and practice of mothers of children regarding oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and home management of diarrhoea. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study conducted in a Teaching Hospital in Telangana State, India from April 2018 to March 2019. 600 children (n=600) with diarrhoea attending to our OPD and the mothers or caregivers of these children were enrolled in study and these mothers and caregivers were interviewed with preset questionnaire regarding oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and diarrhoea management and knowledge and awareness regarding ORT were assessed and analyzed. Results: In this study we observed only 8.8% of mothers of children with diarrhoea were using ORS. Regarding Mainstay in Management of Mild Diarrhea in Children 17.6% Mothers – ORS and 82.4% Mothers – Syrups and Tablets. Those who know about ORS Correct Preparation – 30% and– 59% Incorrect Preparation. 14% of Women from Rural Areas know Proper Preparation of ORS and 42% Of Women from Urban Areas. In mothers whose educational standard is > 5th class 35.4% know correct preparation of ORS and in < 5th standard only 17.3% know. When mothers have been asked regarding what they will do if vomiting occurs the response is 44% of mothers said they will continue administration of ORS. 38.8% of mothers said they will continue administration of ORS with anti emetics. 11.2% –immediately consult medical practitioner. 6% – stop administration of ORS. Most of them were not aware regarding danger signs and education by healthcare provider about ORS and ORT was effective when compared to other measures. Conclusion: Oral rehydration therapy in diarrhoea is most useful and effective treatment. But most of the mothers who will take initial care of the children with diarrhoea and dehydration are not aware of this therapy i.e. preparation and usage. There is need for educating the mothers by health care providers.

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Article: Download PDF    DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

KNOWLEDGE OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY IN MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH DIARRHOEA AND DEHYDRATION, Venkateshwarlu. P, Radha Mohan. M INDIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH : Volume-9 | Issue-9 | September-2019

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