To assess the
knowledge,
attitude and practices of
mothers about
malnutrition and diarrheal
diseases;
perceptions about
signs and symptoms of
dehydration; preparation and use of ORS;
breast feeding and
weaning practices. A cross -sectional descriptive study. The study was carried out in [CDDU-CHC] Control of Diarrheal
Disease Unit,
Children Hospital Complex, Multan, over a period of six months [March-Aug 2005]. A total of 400
mothers, with
children of
age group 2 months-5 years, were randomly selected and
knowledge,
attitude,
behavior and practices regarding
malnutrition and diarrheal
diseases were determined on a pre-coded
questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPSS-10
software. The baseline
knowledge of the
mothers about
malnutrition, diarrheal
diseases, breast feeding,
weaning practices and
hand washing was not adequate, probably because of low
literacy rate. Considering high
prevalence of
malnutrition and diarrheal
diseases and the relative lack of
knowledge, it is imperative that a
public health intervention program be initiated in the
communities. This must include the
education of caretakers as well as
health workers