A study highlighting the reluctant use of ORS by mothers of children under-5 years in field practice areas of Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar, Rajasthan

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death and accounting for 9% of all deaths among children under 5years worldwide in 2015. It is both preventable and treatable. Rehydration therapy is a critical intervention to save the lives of children during the episodes of diarrhoea. Objective: Study was conducted to identify the gap between knowledge and practices of ORS use in diarrhoea among mothers of under 5 year’s children and treatment practices during diarrhoea. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using pretested, semi structured interview schedule, among 320 mothers, of children under 5years who suffered from diarrhoea within two weeks before study, in field-practice areas of UHTC and RHTC, Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar (Raj.) from February 2017 to July 2017. Results: Among 320 children, 50% children had diarrhoea of age >6 month to 24 months. Majority of mothers (41.5%) were educated up to secondary level. 95% mothers knew the ORS but exact knowledge about preparation and use of ORS was only 29.3%. Majority of mothers got knowledge from Doctors. ORS use was 88.7% in rural area and 85.6% in urban area. Use of Zinc preparation was 2.5% and antibiotics was 76.5% during diarrhoea. Statistically significant association was found between education of mother, vaccination of children for measles and supplementation of Vitamin A with the knowledge about ORS of mothers. Conclusion: In present study knowledge and use of ORS is fairly good but the correct preparation and use of ORS is only among 29%.