Knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding aetiology and prevention of diarrhea among mothers of children under five years in Namuwongo slum, Makindye Division, Kampala District

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death among children under five years old. In Uganda, diarrhea was ranked the sixth among the top ten causes of under-five child morbidity and mortality with a prevalence of 20%. Appropriate knowledge, perceptions and practices of mothers on aetiology and prevention of diarrhea is essential for reduction in morbidity and mortality due to diarrheal disease among children under five years. Objective: This study was set to assess knowledge, perceptions and practices of mothers regarding aetiology and prevention of diarrhea among children under five years in Namuwongo, a slum in Makindye division, Kampala city Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews where a total sample size of 358 mothers participated in the survey. Qualitatively, data was obtained using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The quantitative data was analysed in STATA V13 using univariate analysis while qualitative data was analysed manually using thematic content analysis. Results: Majority 52.3% (187/358) of the mothers in this study did not reach secondary level of education. More than half 56.7% (203/358) had adequate knowledge on aetiology and prevention of diarrhea. Up to 20.7% (74/358) of the mothers could not correctly mention a single diarrhea prevention measure. In regards to perceptions, three quarters 74.6% (267/358) of the mothers agreed that diarrhea is normal. Some the perceived causes of diarrhea were teething 96.9% (347/358) and false teeth 86.6% (310/358). In this study, most 53.9% (193/358) of the mothers had poor practices towards prevention of diarrhea. Conclusion: Generally, the knowledge of mothers in this study is quite satisfactory. However, there is still a gap in mothers’ knowledge on prevention, their perceptions on aetiology and their overall practices towards prevention of diarrhea among children under five years. It is therefore incumbent on the government, non-government organizations, health workers and promoters to increase mothers’ awareness about aetiology and prevention of diarrhea through interventions such as health education campaigns. Keywords: Diarrhea, Knowledge, Perceptions, Practices, Aetiology and Prevention