Practices related to treatment of diarrhea among children attending MCH centres in Alexandria

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to describe practices related to treatment of diarrhea among children attending MCH centers in Alexandria. The study was carried out in 6 randomly selected MCH centers of Alexandria Governorate for a period of three weeks during summer 1993. Using scheduled interviewing questionnaire, data were collected from mothers attending these centers and had an under-five child who experienced a diarrheal attack during the last 2 weeks. The total sample consisted of 496 children. Their mean age was 11.86 +/- 9.67 months. Among presently breast-fed children, 90% continued breast feeding during the diarrheal attack. ORS use rate was 67%, home fluids use represented 48% and the use of both or either accounted for 81% of the sample. About 70% of the children used at least one drug with a mean of 1.29 +/- 1.15 drugs during the previous attack. Drugs were prescribed by MCH physicians [30.4%], and private physicians [29%], or obtained over the counter [33.6%] in pharmacies. There were no gender differences regarding ORS or drug use and their sources. Continued health education and training programs are required to maintain and improve the achievement of ORT usage. Different policies to combat the extensive drug misuse are highly recommended