KAP STUDY ON CONTROL OF DIARRHEAL DISEASES AMONG MOTHERS OF UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN DISTRICT CHARSADDA

BACKGROUND: Large number of children dies in the developing countries due to diarrheal diseasesand malnutrition. Thus everyday thousands of children die of diarrhea and water related diseases;therefore this study was carried to highlight diarrhea problem and thus contribute effectively to preventmortality and morbidity.OBJECTIVES: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice on control of diarrheal diseases amongmothers of District Nowshera.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried in March-July 2012, in which 600mothers of District Nowshera were assessed regarding knowledge, attitude and practice on control ofdiarrheal diseases by means of structured questionnaire having both open and close ended questions.RESULTS: The results showed that approximately 75% mothers had good knowledge, 82% hadpositive attitude and 80% practices various control & management measures; 60% mothers hadknowledge about sugar salt solution; 70% has positive attitude and 55% practices effective methods,74% mothers had good knowledge of oral rehydration salt, 85% has positive attitude and 80% practiceseffective methods.CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that knowledge of mothers regarding control of diarrheal diseasesis appreciative, attitude is also quite satisfactory and practice of mothers is influenced by joint familysystem. Besides these, the main factors responsible for the positive attitude of mothers regarding controlof diarrheal diseases are fair monthly income, proper food preservation, small family size andvaccination status. Education of mothers regarding importance of hygiene status, breast feeding, hazardsof bottle feeding, the adequate use of ORS, and health education materials plays a significant roleregarding control of diarrheal diseases.KEY WORDS: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Diarrhea, Mothers, Children, Oral RehydrationSalt,Weaning, Breast Feeding, Nowshera.