Knowledge about prevention and management of acute diarrhoea among caregivers of children aged under 5 years treated at an emergency department in Pernambuco,Brazil

Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization stresses the need for training families in the adequate management of acute diarrhoea to reduce child mortality and morbidity. This study analysed caregiver knowledge about diarrhoea prevention and management in north-east Brazil.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of 213 children aged under 5 years treated at a public emergency department in Pernambuco, Brazil. Caregiver knowledge was assessed with a questionnaire.

Results

Caregivers believed that breastfeeding until age 6 months, not using tap water for food preparation, vaccination against rotavirus and other diseases help prevent diarrhoea. Regarding treatment, caregivers reported taking children to the hospital at the first sign of diarrhoea (57.3%), administering medication (68.1%) and withholding solids (63.7%). Only 40.8% knew how to prepare oral rehydration solution; 78.4% believed it could cure diarrhoea. Only 43.9% of caregivers mentioned one or more signs of dehydration.

Conclusions

Caregivers in this region had limited knowledge of appropriate diarrhoea management.