Knowledge of Caretakers about the Use of Oral Rehydration Solutions in Children with Acute Diarrhea

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is known to be the major factor causing morbidity and mortality, especially among pediatric age groups globally. This study was done to assess the knowledge of caretakers regarding the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) in children with acute diarrhea.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Multan, Pakistan, from February 2023 to July 2023. We analyzed caretakers of children aged 1-12 years who presented with acute diarrhea that had less than 14 days of duration. Both male and female caretakers, with ages ranging from 25 to 50 years, were included. Knowledge of the formulation of ORS, the process of its preparation, and usage were asked. Participants describing all correct answers about the formulation, preparation, and use of ORS were considered as having knowledge of ORS. Effect modifiers were stratified, and applying the post-stratification chi-square test, their effects on outcome were observed. A p-value≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: In a total of 240 study participants, the mean age of caretakers was 36.01±8.08 years. There were 23 (9.6%) male and 217 (90.4%) female caretakers. Among caretakers, 79 (32.9%) had knowledge of ORS while 161 (67.1%) did not know ORS. A statistically significant association of knowledge about ORS was found with residential status (p<0.001), socio-economic status (p<0.001), and source of drinking water (p<0.001).

Conclusion: This study found that among caretakers of children having acute diarrhea, there was a lack of knowledge regarding ORS use, formulation, and preparation.