Home Management of Diarrhea among Underfives in a Rural Community in Kenya: Household Perceptions and Practices
Othero, Doreen M. (Creator), Orago, Alloys S.S. (Creator), Groenewegen, Ted (Creator), Kaseje, Dan O. (Creator), Otengah, P.A (Creator)
Introduction: Diarrheal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-fives especially in rural and peri-urban communities in developing countries. Home management of diarrhea is one of the key household practices targeted for enhancement in the Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (C-IMCI) strategy. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of mothers/caregivers regarding the causes of diarrhea among under-fives and how it was managed in the home before seeking help from Community Health Workers or health facilities. Design: A household longitudinal study was conducted in Nyando district, Kenya in 2004-2006 adopting both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Subjects: A total of 927 mothers/caregivers of under-fives participated in the study. Main outcome measures: Perceived causes of childhood diarrhoea, action taken during diarrhea, fluid intake, recognition of signs of dehydration, feeding during convalescence, adherence to treatment and advice. Results: Majority of the respondents 807(87.1%) reported that their children had suffered from diarrhea within the last 2 weeks before commencement of the study. Diarrhea was found to contribute to 48% of child mortality in the study area. Perceived causes of diarrhea were: unclean water 524(55.6%), contaminated food 508(54.9%), bad eye 464 (50.0%), false teeth 423(45.6%) and breast milk 331(35.8%). More than 70% of mothers decreased fluid intake during diarrhea episodes. The mothers perceived wheat flour, rice water and selected herbs as anti-diarrheal agents. During illness, 239(27.8%) of the children were reported not to have drunk any fluids at all, 487(52.5%) drunk much less and only 93(10.0%) were reported to have drunk more than usual. A significant 831(89.6%) withheld milk including breast milk with the notion that it enhanced diarrhea. Conclusion: Based on these findings, there is need to develop and implement interactive communication strategies for t
Downloadable Article, English, 2009-03-23
East African Public Health Association, 2009-03-23