Mother's knowledge and beliefs about management of acute respiratory infection [ARI] among children in Alexandria City

ABSTRACT

Acute Respiratory Infection or ARI represents one of the most prevalent and common diseases that affect infant and children, it ranks as one of the greatest causes of childhood mortality and morbidity especially throughout the developing countries. The national ARI control program as a component of the Healthy Mother Health Child Project [HMHCP] aimed at decreasing the percentage of infant mortality resulting from ARI. This paper reports on a study which was conducted to evaluate mother's knowledge and beliefs regarding the ARI and the role these knowledge and beliefs play with respect to early detection and management of the disease by the mothers. Results of the study have showed a statistical significant difference between mother's education and the frequency of children's attacks; and mother's ability to recognize dangerous signs of ARI. Educated and working mothers were more able to mention and identify predispoosing factors and were able to take preventive measures and to engage in the management of ARI. This study has clearly shown the importance of mother's education and it is therefore, highly recommended to educate the mothers about early detection and management of ARI in children