Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Oral Rehydration Solution Use Among Mothers of Children Under Two Years in Jimma Town
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Abstract
Diarrhea remains a major cause of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Although Oral Rehydration Solution is a highly effective intervention, its utilization in Ethiopia is low. This community-based study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 301 mothers of children under two years in Jimma Town, Ethiopia during March-April 2024. Most mothers (86.7%) held positive attitudes, recognizing Oral Rehydration Solution's importance for diarrhea treatment (73.5%) and its life-saving potential (71.1%). However, significant knowledge gaps existed: only 46.5% demonstrated adequate understanding. While 87.4% had heard of Oral Rehydration Solution, just 53.2% knew its purpose (fluid replacement), 59.1% understood correct preparation, and 36.1% knew about homemade alternatives. Practice was suboptimal, with only 49.8% using Oral Rehydration Solution during their child's last diarrhea episode. Harmful practices included drug administration (20.6%) and feeding cessation (15.6%). Multivariate analysis identified maternal knowledge as the strongest predictor of Oral Rehydration Solution use (21 times higher odds), followed by literacy (6 times higher odds) and physical access (4 times higher odds). Despite favorable attitudes, critical knowledge deficiencies and inadequate practice persist. Interventions must prioritize targeted education addressing preparation and misconceptions, enhance maternal literacy, and ensure reliable access to Oral Rehydration Solution to reduce preventable child deaths.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Michael Asmelash, David Dak, Dagnechew Degefu, Getamesay Ayenalem, Azmeraw Bekele
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