Knowledge, attitude and practices [KAP] of mothers about infants' diarrhea in Al-Taif, West Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with infants' diarrheal episodes and the knowledge, attitude and practices [KAP] of mothers regarding their infants' diarrheal diseases in Al-Taif, West Saudi Arabia. Out of 2010 cases of acute diarrhea, 900 cases were selected randomly from those attended pediatric clinics at Al-Ameen and AI Hada Military Hospital at Al-Taif region in West Saudi Arabia, during the period of three years [from the beginning of January 1998 to the end of December 2000]. A questionnaire interview with the mothers of those selected children was performed to collect sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers and fathers. In addition to this, 9 open ended questions dealing with mothers' knowledge about different aspects of diarrhea such as definition, cause, transmission, symptoms and signs, management and prevention and source of mothers' information about these aspects of diarrhea. Also, actual practices and behavior of mothers towards their childrens' episodes of diarrhea were investigated. The great majority of mothers were illiterate [70%], aged 20-29 years [68%]. More than 72% of the fathers were illiterate or can just read and write. More than 60% of the mothers did not know symptom and signs of diarrhea and more than 40% did not know the causes, the appropriate time for seeking medical advice or the importance of fluids in the management of diarrhea. Diarrheal episodes in infants are still a cause of major morbidity associated with lower socioeconomic conditions. Also, the study revealed that mothers' knowledge about diarrhea was deficient particularly among younger and less educated mothers. So, the mother should have proper knowledge and skills to enable her to deliver the appropriate care. This will help in preventing most childhood diseases which are mostly due to deficient or faulty information. We recommend that all members of the health team in all health facilities offering services to mothers and their children should be actively involved as reliable sources for health information about diarrhea and other health problems according to agreed upon policy