Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Prevention of Childhood Diarrhea among Mothers of Under-Five Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In children, especially those under five, diarrheal disease continue to be a significant source of morbidity. The risk of childhood diarrhoea and its complications may be increased by inadequate information about hand cleanliness, safe drinking water, sanitation, nursing, food hygiene, and the proper use of oral rehydration solution. Mothers are crucial in preventing diarrhoea and giving their kids the proper care at home.

Objective: To evaluate moms of children under-five’s level of knowledge on preventing childhood diarrhoea and to ascertain the relationship between knowledge level and certain demographic factors.

Methods: 120 moms of children under five who visited the paediatric outpatient department of a particular hospital participated in a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. A practical sampling method was used to choose the participants. A structured knowledge questionnaire with thirty multiple-choice questions about causes, transmission, prevention, hygiene, nursing, nutrition, oral rehydration therapy, and warning symptoms of diarrhoea was used to gather data. The data was summarized using descriptive statistics, and the relationship between knowledge level and particular demographic characteristics was ascertained using the chi-square test.

Results: Among 120 mothers, 25 (20.8%) had inadequate knowledge, 67 (55.8%) had moderately adequate knowledge and 28 (23.3%) had adequate knowledge regarding prevention of childhood diarrhoea. A statistically significant association was observed between maternal educational status and knowledge level (p<0.001). Knowledge level was also significantly associated with previous exposure to health education regarding diarrhoea (p=0.003).

Conclusion: More over half of the moms had somewhat sufficient knowledge on preventing childhood diarrhoea, according to the study. Knowledge was substantially correlated with maternal education and prior health education. Frequent health education from paediatric nurses and other medical experts may increase moms' awareness and encourage sensible preventative measures.