A Rapid Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Mothers and Caregivers on Childhood Diarrhea in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Abstract

Childhood diarrhea is the third cause of admission and deaths with overall incidence remaining unacceptably high while knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the mothers present affecting vitality of the childhood in most affected communities of Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers and caregivers on childhood diarrhoea in Zanzibar, Tanzania. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted from October, 2019 to February, 2020. Twenty-four health facilities were selected from west urban region of Zanzibar in Tanzania. A total of 384 mothers and caregivers with diarrhoea in children under-five years were enrolled. Information on socio-demographic characteristics was obtained by asking the parents/guardians. Questionnaires were interview administered to the participants and data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 16.0. A total of mothers and caregivers were studied. From the respondents 365(95%) had satisfactory level of knowledge on childhood diarrhea while 20 (5%) had unsatisfactory knowledge. A total of 196 (51%) rejected the use of oral Rehydration Sugars (ORS) at home due to taste and smell and 188 (49%) agree its use. Collectively mothers and caregivers 177 (46%) reported drinking treated or boiling water. A total of 181 (47%) respondents reported hand washing after helping children with defecation while only 73 (19%) respondents reported washing hands before preparing food. Limited use of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices was observed among mothers and caregivers of under-five in the prevention and management of childhood diarrhea. Therefore, there is a need to endorse effective community health education, dissemination of information and community conversation to create a positive practice towards moving knowledge into WASH practices.