Management Of Diarrhoea And Impact Of Health Eduction In Agboyi, A Peri-Urban Community With A High Prevalence Of Diarrhoea

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the method of management of diarrhoea by mothers of pre-school children, their knowledge of the preparation of sugar salt solution and the impact of health education on the level of awareness and practice of these mothers who are fully resident in a peri-urban community.



Two hundred and twenty three mothers with pre-school children were interviewed. The prevalence of diarrhoea amongst the pre school children over the preceeding one month of the study was as high as 46%. Up to 50% knew infection was the major cause however only 33% would normally use ORS or SSS. Fewer than half of the studied population actually knew the correct quantities of sugar, salt and water. As many as 20% of preschool children were either wasted or stunted (i.e. malnourished). Health education was found to have a significant impact on the awareness and proper practice of these mothers.



It is recommended that repeated training and health education be given to these mothers on the prevention and proper management of diarrhoea disease to achieve the recommended decade goals.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.3 (1999) pp. 189-192