ASSESSING PRE-HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHOEA BY MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN UNDER FIVE (5) YEARS AT MAMOBI COMMUNITY

Abstract

This study examined “The Pre-hospital Management of Diarrhoea by Mothers of Children Under Five Years at the Mamobi Community”. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used for the study by selecting 100 mothers of children under five years. A convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data using a structured questionnaire. Data was processed by Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS, version 20.0). The results showed many participants (55%) conceived diarrhoea as increase in loose stool. On the causes of diarrhoea, many (56%) indicated contaminated food, 27.5% teething, 9.5% not breastfeeding up to six (6) months and 7% infection. On the sources of information on diarrhoea management, 66% stated media. Regarding preventive practices, almost all (96%) indicated that they use soap and water in hand washing. Again, all the respondents (100%) confirmed that they wash their hands after defecation. On home management of diarrhea, 30.5% indicated that they used ORS, 22.2% gave water, 21.6% used herbal medication, 14.3% give enema and 11.4% use breastfeeding. From the findings it could be said that majority of the respondents had adequate knowledge on the causes, preventive practices and emmergency home management of diarrhoea before reporting at the health facility. However, it is recommended that health workers should intensify health education on diarrhoea management to promote knowledge and good practice to reduce morbidity and mortality of childhood diarrhoea.