Myths, experiences and home management of childhood diarrhea among nursing mothers in Federal Medical Center Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is a major threat to child survival due to its devastating complication of dehydration. Several home remedies inclusive of oral rehydration therapy have benefited many people. This study assessed nursing mothers' knowledge and experiences of home management of childhood diarrhea.

Methodology: Descriptive cross sectional design was adopted and consecutive sampling technique was utilized to select 223 nursing mothers with babies over three months old on the immunization clinic days at Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Frequency, percentages and Chi square were utilized for analysis.

Results: Most 154(69.1%) of the respondents had good knowledge about diarrhea. However 34.5% indicated that sunken fontanel is not related to diarrhea or dehydration, and that it is the sign of a local disease. While 97(43.5%) also indicated that teething is a major cause of diarrhea. Only 56(25.1%) considered Salt Sugar Solution (SSS) / Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as home management. There is significant association between mothers' perception of myths associated with developmental mile stones and mothers' age, occupation and educational level, p< 0.05.

Conclusion: Findings of the study have implications for mothers' home management of diarrhea. It is therefore essential for health care providers to educate the mothers on diarrhea with emphasis on early management with ORS/SSS to prevent complications.

Keywords: Childhood, Diarrhea, Dehydration, Home management, ORS/SSS, Myths