Management of diarrheal diseases among children under five years: a case study of mothers at Kakamega county, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Despite much effort and successes in the management of diarrhoea, the disease has remained among the top five causes of mortality and morbidity in Kenya, particularly among infants and children below five years. Advent of HIV/AIDS and the harsh economic situation is Kenya has led to increase in diarrhoea diseases. This study was conducted to determine the mother’s knowledge, attitude and practice in the management of diarrheal diseases among children under five years of age.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Lurambi sub-County, Kakamega County. Systematic sampling technique was used to determine the study population. The research instruments were; observational checklists, an in-depth interview schedule, self-administered semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussions. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using SPSSand involved univariate and bivariate analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed by thematic content analysis.Results: Overall, 88% mothers each with at least one child under five years took part in the study. 84% of the respondents had knowledge of the causes of diarrhoea; however only 31% knew methods of diarrhoea prevention. 41% of the respondents managed diarrhoea cases with non-recommended home remedies such as salt and sugar solutions. The study also established that 37% of the health workers were not trained on diarrhoea management despite them being directly involved in the case management.Conclusions: Overall, the research identified a gap between knowledge and practice. There is need for improving home based case management and implementing a community strategy for diarrhoea management.

Diarrhea Disease among Children under 5 Years of Age: A Global Systematic Review

“…However, the analysis of childhood diarrhea and associated risk factors has become a concern all in both developed and developing countries. For instance, a number of studies in developing countries [16] [19] [20] [50] [51] have been carried out to study diarrhea disease among children under 5 years. However, most of them so far have focused exclusively on the risk factors that cause the disease and how the disease can be prevented.…”

A qualitative study on experiences of mothers about control of diarrhoea of their children

“…64 percent of those mothers who had attended hospital used ORS to control diarrhea of their children. 9 In the present study most of the mothers (21 out of 27) had applied ORS to control diarrhea of their children. The authors of another study about oral rehydration therapy had shown that 65.9 percent parents (313 out of 475) had used ORS during recent diarrheal episode of their children and 34.8 percent parents had perceived that ORS was intended to treat diarrhea and prevent dehydration.…”

“…5 Suitable hygiene education and proper hand washing can decrease the incidence of diarrhea by up to 45%. 6 In India, diarrheal disease poses a significant problem to the health, wellbeing and survival of children of less than five-year age group. It has a deleterious effect on growth and predisposes the child to malnutrition and other infections.…”