FACTORS AFFECTING THE USE OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY IN THE HOME MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHOEAL DISEASE

Abstract

Aim: To identify the factors affecting the use of oral rehydration therapy in the home
management of diarrhoeal disease.
Study period: The study was carried out between June and Number,2003.
Study design: Four hundred (400) consecutive children aged less than five years who
presented with diarrhoea at Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos were seen and
examined. Their mothers were interviewed. Their demographic data, duration of
diarrhoea, level of dehydration and nutritional status were obtained. The usage rate of
oral rehydration therapy (ORT) at home before presentation and mother’s knowledge
of mixing and administration of oral rehydration solutions were assessed. The factors
relating to the correct use of ORT were analysed.
Results: Diarrhoeal disease was more prevalent in the second half of infancy. A total
of 237 (59.3%) patients had no dehydration, 150 (37.5%) had some dehydration, and
13 (3.3%) had severe dehydration. Malnutrition was present in 70 (17.5%) patients.
The usage rate of ORT was 39%, oral rehydration salt (ORS) was 34%, and salt sugar
solution (SSS) was 5%. There was a significant association between use of ORT and
the degree of dehydration. There was no relationship between use of ORT and
mothers’ educational status or parity. Of the 20 mothers who used SSS, only 10 (50%)
prepared it correctly. Of the 136 mothers who used ORS, only 18 (12.5%) prepared it
correctly. The rest prepared hypertonic solutions. There was no association between
the ability to prepare ORT correctly and mothers’ educational status. The average
volume of the correctly prepared and incorrectly prepared ORT administered in 24
hours were 600ml and 300ml respectively, and they were low. There was no
relationship between the administrative skill of the mothers and their parity or
educational status.
Conclusion: These findings showed that mothers were lacking in their knowledge of
the work, the reconstitution and administration of oral rehydration solutions. The value
of ORT in the home-management of diarrhoeal disease is therefore limited. There is a
need to intensify effort at teaching mothers the correct way to prepare and administer
ORT at home so that its full impact and benefits will be realized.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE USE OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY IN THE HOME MANAGEMENT OF DIARRHOEAL DISEASE