Project Materials

KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTANCE OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY OF MOTHERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN 0-5 YEARS IN AMASSOMA COMMUNITY BAYELSA STATE

ABSTRACT

Mothers’ familiarity with and comfort with oral rehydration therapy for the treatment of diarrhoea in children aged 0–5 in the Amassoma community in Bayelsa state was the focus of this research. We set out to accomplish a few things with our research. The research used a descriptive and explanatory approach; data was gathered via the use of questionnaires and library research. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. The chi-square test was used to analyse the data at a significance level of 5%. The results were shown in percentage tables and frequency distributions.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

In underdeveloped nations, diarrhoeal infections are a major cause of illness and death for children younger than five. This is especially true in areas with little resources, such as Amassoma in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. An estimated 1.7 billion episodes of diarrhoeal illness in children occur annually worldwide, with a disproportionately high number of cases in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organisation.

When it comes to controlling diarrhoeal infections, Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is a game-changer. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and potentially life-saving strategy. When it first came out in the 1960s, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) completely changed the way diarrhoea was treated, especially in underdeveloped nations where people don’t always have access to the best medical care. The treatment is effective because it restores fluid and electrolyte balance, protecting the patient from the dangerous consequences of dehydration, which is common in cases of severe diarrhoea.

Diarrhoeal disorders are a major problem in Nigeria, especially in rural areas like Amassoma in Bayelsa State, where facilities for treating these conditions are lacking and cleanliness is an issue. Traditional beliefs and practices further complicate the problem since they may clash with contemporary medical procedures, which might impair the adoption and appropriate use of ORT.

Because they are usually the main carers tasked with identifying symptoms, making healthcare choices, and treating children with diarrhoea, mothers play an essential role in its management. The prognosis of children’s diarrhoea bouts is greatly affected by their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours about oral rehydration therapy (ORT). Making successful treatments to decrease toddler mortality from diarrhoeal disorders requires a thorough understanding of mothers’ knowledge and acceptance of oral rehydration therapy (ORT).

Efforts have been made by the Nigerian government to promote oral rehydration therapy (ORT) as an intervention for controlling childhood diarrhoea via a number of health initiatives and programs. Mothers’ familiarity with ORT, competence in its proper preparation and administration, and readiness to utilise it as a first line of defence against paediatric diarrhoea are crucial to the success of these programs.

The Amassoma community in Bayelsa State has its own distinct geographical features, as well as socio-cultural traits, such as its traditional customs and riverine setting, which might impact mothers’ understanding and adoption of ORT. Mothers’ reactions to cases of diarrhoea in children are influenced by a variety of factors, including local beliefs on the disease’s aetiology and management, mothers’ educational levels, and the availability of healthcare resources.

1.2 Problem Statement

Amassoma, in Bayelsa State, is one of several Nigerian towns where the infant mortality rate is high due to diarrhoea, even though oral rehydration therapy (ORT) has been shown to be helpful in reducing this mortality rate. This may indicate that moms have questions or concerns about ORT, or that there may be barriers to its acceptance and effective use.

There are a number of possible causes for this issue, such as a lack of awareness of ORT’s significance, false beliefs on its efficacy, challenges with its correct administration and preparation, and alternative conventional therapies. Cultural norms and expectations about the treatment of diarrhoea in children may also play a role in shaping mothers’ attitudes and behaviours towards ORT.

Improving ORT use in the Amassoma community is challenging due to a lack of detailed data on mothers’ awareness and acceptance of the treatment. In order to create successful measures to decrease childhood mortality in this community caused by diarrhoeal infections, it is essential to understand these aspects.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The purpose of this research is to find out how well mothers in the Amassoma community in Bayelsa State understand and use Oral Rehydration Therapy to treat diarrhoea in children under the age of five.

1 to find out how well mothers in the Amassoma community understand the role of oral rehydration therapy in treating diarrhoea in children.

2 to ascertain how well-known and widely used oral rehydration therapy is among Amassoma moms.

3 to determine what variables impact moms’ understanding and willingness to use oral rehydration therapy for treating diarrhoea in children.

1.4 Research questions

1 How much do moms in the Amassoma community know about oral rehydration therapy?

2 When it comes to treating children’s diarrhoea, how common is oral rehydration therapy among mothers in the Amassoma community?

3 When it comes to treating diarrhoea in children, what variables impact moms’ familiarity with and willingness to use oral rehydration therapy?