KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND THE USE OF ORAL REHYDRATION SALT FOR DIARRHOEA AMONG MOTHERS ATTENDING CLINICS IN A HEALTH FACILITY IN PORT HARCOURT.

Introduction: Oral rehydration solution (ORS), an effective, inexpensive intervention for treating dehydration in children with diarrhoea, prevents under-fives mortality from diarrhoea. However, this benefit is only achieved if caregivers are knowledgeable enough to prepare and use it appropriately.

Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, perception, and use of ORS by mothers attending the paediatric outpatient clinic at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among mothers of under-five children attending the clinic. They answered specific questions on knowledge, perception, and practice of ORS. Correct responses were collated and converted to percentages and 50% was used as the cut-off value. Data analysis was done using SPPS version 23 and statistical significance was set at P value < 0.05.

Results: A total of 143 mothers aged 22-50 (32.1±5.4) years, participated in the study. A majority (95.1%) were married, para 1 and 2 (53.9%), and 83 (58%) belonged to middle socioeconomic class. About 80% knew ORS is used to prevent dehydration, however, 96 (71.6%) mothers had good knowledge, 104 (77.6%) good perception, and 95 (70.9%) good use of ORS. Middle socioeconomic class and higher parity were significantly associated with greater odds of having good knowledge and married mothers with good perception. Good knowledge of ORS was significantly associated with good perception and good practice.

Conclusion: Mothers' knowledge, perception, and use of ORS in this study were below expectation, despite decades of using ORS. This highlights the need for continuous enlightenment of the public on the appropriate use of ORS.