KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY UTILIZATION IN THE TREATMENT OF DIARHOEA IN ABIRIBA COMMUNITY OHAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ABSTRACT The world health organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children Emergency fund (UNICEF) recommend an oral Rehydration solution (ORS) for the treatment of children and adult with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance associated with cholera and other forms of diarrheal disease. This study was conducted to determine the knowledge and attitude of mothers towards oral Rehydration therapy (ORT) utilization in the treatment of diarrhea in Abiriba community in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. The aim of the study is to deduce the perception and attitude of mothers towards oral rehydration therapy utilization which will serve as a basis and guide for subsequent planning and implementation of primary health care programmes especially those targeted at diarrheal disease management. The descriptive survey research design was used to study the target population comprising literate and illiterate mothers including single mothers. A sample of 150 mothers, who were selected using the sample random sampling technique was studied. Necessary data were collected from respondents using questionnaire which were later analyzed using tables, frequencies and percentages. The findings reveal that majority of the mothers (about 8%) had knowledge of ORT, its preparation and administration. Again, the study also shows about 9% of mothers knew little about storage. However, few other mothers (about 11%) where found to prefer intravenous rehydration to ORT because they did not understand its physiological basis. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the government should increase public enlightenment via health centers and the media about ORT, its advantages and the need for the maintenance of proper hygiene during its preparation and storage.