Knowledge and Practices of Mothers about Diarrhea in Children Under Three Years Old in Heevi Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Duhok City

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Diarrheal disease is the second important reason of death in children under 5 years old and is responsible for killing around 760,000 children every year. Diarrhea can last for several days and it can leave the body without the water and salts that are necessary for survival. Most people who die from diarrhea actually die from severe dehydration and fluid loss. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between mother’s knowledge and their practice about diarrhea in children <3 years old. Research Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 children with diarrheal episodes attending inpatient word. A set of questionnaires from previous studies was adopted and modified to assess the relationship between mother’s knowledge and their practice about diarrhea in children less than 3 years old in Heevi Pediatric Teaching Hospital in Duhok City. Results: More than half of participants (68%) had poor knowledge, though; the 32% had good knowledge. In terms of mother’s practice, most of the participants (64%) had poor mother practice; whereas, only 36% were good mother practice. However, there was a negative correlation between mother knowledge and mother practice (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate that due to lack of knowledge and poor practice about management of diarrhea the children were suffering from many complications. Relevance to clinical practice: Nurse educators have a significant role in providing health education to mothers about diarrhea in children.