Background: Each year diarrheal disease, which is highly preventable, causes an estimated 1.5 million deaths worldwide in children under 5 years of age. Oral rehydration therapy is the cornerstone of global efforts to reduce mortality from acute diarrhea.
Objectives: A quasi-experimental study was planned with the objectives of (a) assessing baseline knowledge and skill regarding management of acute diarrheal diseases (ADDs) among mothers of children 10th standard. Only one woman had completed graduation. The majority (85.7%) were housewives. There was significant improvement in mothersÂ’ overall knowledge (mean score pre-intervention = 32.9%; post-intervention = 80.9%; Z = 8.4; p < 0.01). Improvement was also observed in knowledge related to when to start ORS (Z =5.54; p < 0.01) and when to consult a doctor (Z = 5.89; p < 0.01) after education, and also in demonstration of how to prepare alternatives of ORS (X2 =34.35; p < 0.0001). Marked improvement in skill of making ORS was observed among mothers after giving skill-based education (X2 = 25.87; p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Repeated skill-based health education to mothers and mass educational programs are beneficial. Health-care providers should demonstrate preparation of ORS to mothers.
Key words: Acute diarrheal disease, health education, quasi-experimental study
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