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Knowledge, attitudes, and practices and their policy implications in childhood diarrhoea in Uganda
J K Konde-Lule1, S Elasu, D L Musonge
1Institute of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
Insights
Childhood diarrhea is common in Uganda, with children experiencing 6 episodes annually. Promoting oral rehydration therapy and improving sanitation are crucial for managing this prevalent childhood illness.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Childhood diarrhea represents a significant health challenge in Uganda.
- Understanding community practices is vital for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding childhood diarrhea among Ugandan health workers and mothers.
- To identify key areas for intervention to reduce childhood diarrhea morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide study conducted in Uganda in 1987.
- Data collected from health workers and mothers of children under five years old.
Main Results:
- Children experience an average of 6 diarrhea episodes per year.
- Limited use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) despite recommendations.
- Traditional food withholding practices persist.
- Herbal treatments are common and warrant further investigation.
- Over 55% of mothers identify poor hygiene as a primary cause.
- Sanitation levels are unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for improved water and waste disposal.
- Radio identified as a potential health education tool.
Conclusions:
- Continued feeding practices during diarrhea are generally followed, but specific food restrictions remain.
- Significant need to promote oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and investigate herbal remedies.
- Improving hygiene, sanitation, and safe water access is critical.
- Ongoing education for health workers on diarrhea management and utilizing mass media for health promotion are recommended.
Abstract:
A nationwide study of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about childhood diarrhoea among health workers and mothers of children less than 5-years old was conducted in Uganda during 1987. We found that each child, on the average, has 6 episodes of diarrhoea in a year. While most parents (65%) continue with almost normal feeding practices during their children's diarrhoea, as is officially recommended, there are some foods that are traditionally withheld. The use of oral rehydration therapy in the form of a salt and sugar solution is very limited and needs to be promoted. Herbal treatment for diarrhoea is a widespread practice and needs to be studied further to ascertain its usefulness. Over 55% of mothers recognise poor hygiene as the most important cause of childhood diarrhoea. The general level of sanitation is not satisfactory and needs to be improved to achieve the widespread availability of safe water and adequate means of human waste disposal for all homes. The radio was found to be a potentially effective tool for health education, and the need to provide all health workers with continuing education about diarrhoea management was identified.