Assessment of knowledge and practice of zinc sulphate supplementation in the treatment of diarrhoea among under-five children in Primary Health Care centres in Keffi, Nigeria

Abstract

Zinc supplementation reduces the severity, duration and recurrence of diarrhoea in children. This study assessed the level of knowledge and practice of zinc supplementation in the management of diarrhoea in children in primary health care facilities in Keffi, Nigeria. Retrospective and qualitative studies were conducted in nine facilities. Validated data collection form and questionnaire were used to collect medications prescribed for diarrhoea in children less than five years old. Descriptive statistics was done, and associate variables were tested using Chi-square Tests. The study assessed 380 case files and 19 health care workers in nine facilities. The finding revealed that 21.1% and 10.5% of the prescribers were aware of and had formal training on the use of zinc in the management of diarrhoea respectively. Oral rehydration salt with zinc and antibiotics were prescribed in 10.5% and 57.9% cases respectively. Only 13.2%, 8.2% and 8.5% of children managed for diarrhoea had correct doses, frequencies and durations of zinc respectively. Only 44.4% facilities had zinc tablet in stock. The study revealed low knowledge and practice among primary health care workers about treatment guidelines on zinc supplementation in the management of diarrhoea in children less than five years.