Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Oral Rehydration Solution for Under-Five Children in Enugu, Nigeria
Okechukwu Chime Ogbodo*, Praise Chinecherem Ekwunife, Kosisochukwu olachi Emeshiobi and Paschal obumneme Enem
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Globally, diarrhea is the third major cause of death among under 5 children, contributing 9% of all under-5 deaths. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is an affordable, comprehensive, and easy-to-use intervention that is fundamental in management of diarrhoea in under 5 children, and has prevented almost 54 million deaths since 2007.
Objective: To assess Oral rehydration solution knowledge, attitude and practice amongst mothers of under five children attending Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Data was presented in tables, and chart. Summary statistics such as mean, frequency and proportion were used to represent quantitative data. Chi-square was used, at 95% confidence interval, and P-value was set at 0.05.
Results: Only 32.8% of the mothers have good overall knowledge of Oral Rehydration solution (ORS). Majority (65.2%) of the mothers have good overall attitude towards ORS. Majority (78.9%) have good practice regarding ORS use.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The respondents have poor knowledge but good attitude and good practice regarding ORS. Therefore, there should be increased community education, media campaigns, and integration of ORS training into antenatal and postnatal care to ensure better understanding of ORS and its importance.
