Home management of childhood diarrhoea among mothers in Sokoto, Nigeria.

Diarrhoea diseases are major causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Treatment guidelines by the World Health Organization indicate that most cases of childhood diarrhoea can be treated at home by increased fluid intake and continued feeding during diarrhoea episodes. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, perception and practice of home management of childhood diarrhoea with ORS/SSS among mothers in Sokoto Metropolis. The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Pre-tested, structured, open and close-ended interviewer administered questionnaires and observer checklist were used for data collection. A total of 423 respondents were interviewed. The mean knowledge score (%) was 59.7±23.0. Majority (62.9%) knew correctly that diarrhoea is said to occur when a child passes loose stool more than three times within 24hours. Majority (81.1%) knew that diarrhoea can be caused by contaminated water; however, 32.4% were also of the view that evil eye is the cause of diarrhea. Majority (73.7%) of the mothers believed that ORS/SSS is the best method for home management of diarrhea while 11.1% believed it is harmful to the child.Agreat proportion (90.5%) of those who had attempted to manage diarrhoea at home reported that the child's condition improved. In conclusion this study has demonstrated high level of knowledge of home management of childhood diarrhoea using ORS/SSS among the study subjects. There is therefore need for more enlightenment campaigns to improve and sustain the knowledge. The use of ORS/SSS for home management of childhood diarrhoea should be included in the curriculum of females and perhaps males as well in secondary schools. Keywords: Laboratory results, clinical diagnosis, malaria