Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Mothers Regarding 'Oral Rehydration Therapy' in Jammu Slums

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little information is available among mothers living in Jammu slums regarding oral rehydration therapy(ORT).

OBJECTIVE: To study the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers regarding oral rehydration therapy during diarrhoeal episode in their children?

STUDY DESIGN & SETTING : A cross-sectional study, conducted in slums of Jammu city.

METHODS: A total of 750 mothers of children below 6 years of age suffering from diarrhoea were recruited for the study. The sample size was selected out of the total 3000 mothers of children suffering from diarrhoea by systematic random sampling technique. Mothers were contacted by house to house visits and in Anganwari centers.

RESULTS: Most of the mothers got first information about oral rehydration solution(ORS) from health personals (68.8%) and 17.9% from mass-media. Majority considered it to be a home- made remedy of diarrhoea (40.5%).They were knowing some forms of home-available fluids. The first line of action of mothers at the onset of diarrhoea was to consult health personnels (58%). While 26.9% used ORS and the rest wanted it in combination with medicines. Only 12.54% and 22.33% mothers could prepare Sugar Salt Solution and ORS correctly, respectively. JMS 2012;15(2):111-14