EVALUATION OF MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND UPTAKE OF ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY AMONG UNDER 5 CHILDREN IN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER, ISAIPEN OWO

ABSTRACT Diarrhoea causes severe loss of water and essential minerals which leads to severe dehydration and even death, hence the need for oral rehydration therapy. Oral rehydration therapy has been globally recognized as a simple, cost-effective and life-saving intervention for managing dehydration caused by diarrhoea. This study evaluates maternal knowledge and uptake of oral rehydration therapy among under 5 children in Primary Health Center, Isaipen, Owo", the health belief model (HBM) was employed in the study. A simple random sampling technique was employed, the study employed a descriptive study design and 88 respondents participated in the study. The instrument for data collection was a self structured questionnaire which was administered to the respondents. Data generated was subjected to descriptive statistics and analysed using Chi-square on SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The result of the study revealed that majority of the respondents exhibited good knowledge about oral rehydration therapy (89.8%). The challenges identified by the respondents in preparation of ORT were lack of knowledge (10.2%), difficulty in preparation (20.5%), unavailability of ingredients (13.6%) and others (55.7%). Majority believed that increased awareness about ORT would lead to better usage (98.9%). Majority agreed that correct understanding of oral rehydration therapy leads to better outcomes in managing diarrhea in children under five (89.8%). A significant relationship was identified between educational level, socioeconomic status and access to information and maternal knowledge and uptake of oral rehydration therapy among under five children (df=9, p>0.05). Generally good knowledge of oral rehydration therapy was recorded, however mothers should be educated on how to prepare ORT at home in order to manage dehydration and diarrhoea effectively