Study of knowledge attitudes and practices on the use of oral rehydration salt in the management of diarrhoea among mothers and health care providers in a defined area in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

It was found that there was widespread awareness of ORS among the mothers in this area. The educational level of the mother was significantly associated with her knowledge regarding ORS. There was no significant cultural barrier to the acceptance of oral rehydration solution. The public health midwife emerged as the chief informant on ORS to most mothers. Partial or total suspension of solid foods during diarrhoea was a common practice adopted by 67 per cent of mothers and 66 per cent health care providers. The educational level of the mother was associated with proper feeding practices during diarrhoea. Awareness, that malnutrition could be a serious consequence of diarrhoea was lacking among 72 per cent of the health care providers. ORS was used in the management of diarrhoea by almost all health care providers although there were different opinions about the procedures followed in it's use in the treatment of dehydration