DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i06.036

Pages: 2216-2219

Diarrhoea is usually a symptom of an infection in the intestinal tract, which can be caused by a variety of bacterial, Viral and parasitic organisms. Of these viral etiology is most common in less than 5 age group. Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene. Total 376 mothers were interviewed of them 278 are rural 98 are tribal. Most common cause for diarrhea according to mothers is unhygienic food (49.5%). Regular hand washing during diarrhea is done by 85.4%. Breast feeding is continued only by 55% of mothers. There is widespread belief that antibiotics can cure diarrhea.78%had this belief. Knowledge of using ORS with in 24hrs of preparation is 14.4%among the study population. Diminished activity is seen as a danger sign by 89.5%, while decreased urine output is seen as a danger sign by only 3.5%.Knowledge to give more fluids during diarrhea is 28% of study population while in practice it is only14.5%.Knowledge to continue routine food is present in 29% of study population while in practice it is only 19.5%.lethargy is the most common reason for physician consultation 59%.Tribal mothers have more belief in faith healers (43.6%). Clear and consistent messages should be used by all health care providers and necessary demonstration should be done in aspects like reconstitution of ORS, early identification of danger signs of dehydration .So, appropriate educational and training materials need to be prepared to transmit and disseminate the messages to empower the mothers and other family members.