Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Home Management of Diarrhea Among Mothers of Under Five in Umuanunu Community, Obinze, Imo State

This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers of children under five in the Umuanunu community in Obinze, Imo State, with regard to managing diarrhea at home. For this investigation, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was chosen. Mothers in the study area were randomly given a structured questionnaire that addressed demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as the knowledge, attitude, and practices of mothers of children under five regarding diarrhea. The age range of the ladies in this study, according to the results, was under 20 to 49 years old. At 92.8%, the age group of 20 to 39 had the highest percentage frequency. Sixty-nine percent of the women were married. Of the women, 47.4% had completed secondary education, 53.6% worked for themselves, 47.4% had more than four children, and 37.1% made between N 20,000 and N 50,000 each month. Every participant in the study had heard of diarrhea. 88.7% of the research participants concurred that diarrhea affects children under five years old. 70.1% of respondents disputed that diarrhea in children under five years old can be caused by microorganisms. Participants agreed that consuming tainted food or water can cause diarrhea in children under five, with 91.8% and 74.2% agreeing, respectively. Diarrhea was found to exhibit loose and watery stools, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal aches by 100.0%, 85.6%, and 76.3% of respondents, respectively. 90.7% of survey participants agreed that eating clean, cooked food can prevent diarrhea in children under five, 88.7% agreed that washing hands before eating can prevent diarrhea, and 73.2% agreed that boiling drinking water can prevent diarrhea. The findings of the assessment of mothers' attitudes toward the management and prevention of diarrhea in children under five indicate that 71.1% of mothers believed that washing hands before eating is crucial to preventing diarrhea in children under five, 74.2% believed that giving ORS during diarrhea is also crucial, and 71.8% believed that all children with diarrhea should receive antibiotics. The practice's outcomes demonstrated that 100.0% of the women in this study consistently breastfed their kid and used ORS whenever their child had diarrhea. When their children have diarrhea, 73.2% of mothers always take them to the doctor, with pharmacists being the most popular source of care (60.8%), while 69.1% of mothers give their child antibiotics to treat the diarrhea. But 87.6% of moms don't wash their hands with soap and water before preparing food, and 85.6% of people don't use boiled or filtered drinking water at home. on conclusion, the majority of moms are well-versed on the topic and employ effective strategies for managing diarrhea in children under five at home.