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Limiting factors of ORS intake
F U Ahmed1, M E Rahman, C B Mahmood
1Department of Child Health, Chittagong Medical College.
Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin
|October 12, 2000
Summary
Despite high knowledge of oral rehydration solution (ORS), correct ORS intake during diarrhea is low in rural Bangladesh. Child age, maternal education, socioeconomic status, and feeding method significantly predict adequate ORS consumption.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Global Health
Background:
- Diarrheal diseases remain a significant cause of child mortality globally.
- Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a cost-effective treatment for dehydration.
- Suboptimal ORS intake limits its effectiveness in managing diarrheal episodes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors limiting ORS intake during diarrheal episodes in rural Bangladesh.
- To determine predictors of correct ORS fluid intake among children.
- To inform health education strategies for improving ORS utilization.
Main Methods:
- A thirty-cluster survey involving 420 mother-child pairs in rural Bangladesh.
- Data collection included verbal interviews, physical examination of children, and assessment of mothers' ORS preparation skills.
- Statistical analysis employed bivariate analysis and stepwise logistic regression to identify significant predictors of ORS intake.
Main Results:
- Over 95% of mothers knew ORS, but only 33.3% used it, with an average intake of 320 ml/day.
- Only 34.5% of children received the correct amount of ORS.
- Child age, mother's education, socioeconomic status, and ORS feeding method were key predictors, achieving 90.20% sensitivity and 74.19% specificity.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist between ORS knowledge and correct usage in rural Bangladesh.
- Targeted health education focusing on identified predictors is crucial for improving ORS intake.
- Strengthening health education programs can enhance ORS effectiveness in diarrheal management.