Qualitative approach to assess maternal knowledge, attitude and practice regarding oral rehydration solution preparation and administration among under-5 children suffering from diarrhoea in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Background Oral rehydration salt (ORS) solution has been instrumental in substantially reducing diarrhoea-related mortality, particularly in resource-constrained settings such as Bangladesh. However, the full effectiveness of ORS is often undermined by inadequate preparation, improper storage and incorrect administration. We aimed to evaluate mothers’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding ORS preparation and administration for children suffering from diarrhoea in this study. Methods The study was carried out at Dhaka Hospital, ICDDR,B, using a qualitative research approach. Based on data saturation, in-depth interviews were conducted with 31 mothers of children under 5 who sought care at the hospital between February and April 2024. The transcribed data were analysed using qualitative content analysis to describe and analyse data. Results Although the majority of the mothers had a positive attitude regarding ORS preparation and administration, they lacked proper knowledge on several points, which hampered correct practices. Ten mothers did not know the correct amount of sachet powder to use, while nine mothers lacked the proper knowledge regarding the right amount of water to prepare ORS, which was rather alarming. Only five mothers recognised that ORS does not transfer to the baby through breast milk. Fourteen mothers provided ORS to their child after each episode of purging while the rest did not. Only 15 mothers adhered to the recommended feeding practices while administering ORS during their child’s illness. Conclusion This study underscores mothers’ need for proper health education regarding the preparation and administration of ORS as well as targeted policies promoting the efficacy of ORS in diarrhoea.