Home Management of Childhood Diarrhoea: A Survey of Mothers in Uyo, Southern Nigeria

Background: Diarrhoea is a leading cause of under–five morbidity and mortality. Diarrhoeal deaths can be prevented by adequate case management of diarrhoeal episodes in children. With majority of cases being treated initially or completely in the home and community, the level of awareness of diarrhoea and simple home management practices among caregivers are key determining factors to reducing diarrhoea morbidity and mortality in children.

Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge, perception and practice of home management of diarrhoea of children under five years of age by mothers in Uyo.

Methods: The study was carried out in two selected primary health centres in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria from December, 2015 to March, 2016. A structured pre–tested questionnaire was used to interview 351 mothers of under five children visiting the selected primary health centres for child immunization within the study period. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Programme for the Social Science (SPSS) version 16. The responses of our respondents were graded into high, average and poor knowledge of childhood diarrhea and its management at home.

Results: Of the 351 mothers interviewed, only 21.3% of the respondents had high level of knowledge of childhood diarrhea and its management at home, while a higher proportion of the respondents (30.4%) had poor knowledge of childhood diarrhoea and its management at home. 17.9% of the respondents reported to have never used Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in managing childhood diarrhea at home. Moreover, 70.37% of the respondents reported that they have never used zinc tablet in the management of childhood diarrhoea at home. A higher knowledge grade was significantly associated with the age, parity and educational level of the mother.

Conclusion: The level of knowledge of childhood diarrhoea and its management at home in Uyo is less than optimal. There is need for increased awareness of childhood diarrhoea and its management at home among mothers in Uyo.