Abstract:
This cross sectional study was done to identify the home health care practices that rural
mothers would adopt in prevention and home management of diarrhoea and acute
respiratory tract infections among children less than three years. Data on current and
intended care practices or rural mothers was obtained by using a pretested interviewer
administered questionnaire. The study population was mothers with children 0-3 years age
group. The results of the study suggested that most rural mothers in this MOH area had
positive practices that need strengthening. some negative practices were identified
regarding, formula feeding using feeding bottles instead of cup and spoon, not washing
hands of the child before feeding and not keeping food covered to prevent contamination
Practices of mothers on home management of acute respiratory tract infections especially
management of cough , ear pain or ear discharge was found to be less satisfactory and
their practices on prevention of acute respiratory tract infections was also poor. It is
recommended to strengthen the country child health programme to reinforce the positive
care practices while correcting the negative practices identified in order to reduce morbidity
mortality due to diarrhea acute respiratory tract infections.
