Abstract

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases throughout the world. It is the leading cause of death in infants and children worldwide. The annual mortality in children less than five years old in developing countries has decreased during the last 20 years, due mainly to the introduction of oral rehydration therapy (ORT), from 4.5 million deaths to 1.8 million deaths, but the morbidity remains high. This study aimed at assessing mothers’ knowledge and practices on the management of gastroenteritis in children 0-5 years in Muea community, a cross sectional study design, a convenient sampling technique and a structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents, date was processed using SPSS version 21 and analyzed at a CI of 95%.  Of 130(100%), respondents in this study the majority was between the age range 31-35, 40(30.8%), 71(54.6%), had more than one child, 117(90%) of the participants had adequate knowledge on the signs and symptoms, cause, management and preventive measures of diarrhea in children. Overall knowledge about gastroenteritis and its management at the Muea community was good among the mothers. 130(100%) of the mothers involved in this study were aware of fluid intake like ORS for the management of gastroenteritis. It was noticed that majority (90%) of the respondent were knowledgeable on gastroenteritis. It is recommended that health centers educated the community on the importance of diarrhea management at home through seminars and sensitization.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 1.1 Background to The Study

Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness, requiring a systematic approach to its assessment, management and prevention. This is because the child with gastroenteritis is at risk of becoming dehydrated, experiencing Hypernatremia, dehydration and developing shock. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines diarrhea as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day, but in breastfeeding infants, diarrhea is considered when they have more than   6 to 8 stools per day. The annual mortality in children less than five years old in developing countries has decreased during the last 20 years, due mainly to the introduction of oral rehydration therapy (ORT), from4.5 million deaths to 1.8 million deaths, but the morbidity remains high (Liu et al., 2012). Two thirds of the mortality still occurs in developing countries, including Rwanda (Walker et al, 2013). In developing countries, diarrhea is a common cause of mortality among children aged <5 years, with an estimated 2 million deaths annually. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) includes rehydration and maintenance fluids with oral rehydration solutions (ORS), combined with continued age-appropriate nutrition. According to Guerrant et al., (1990), Gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases throughout the world. It is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in poor countries. It is the leading cause of death in infants and children worldwide. 3-5 billion cases of gastroenteritis occur each year in children under 5 years (Elliott, 2007), causing approximately 2.5 million deaths (Kosek et al., 2000) The WHO Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group estimates that 16% of deaths in African children younger than five years are directly attributed to gastroenteritis (Bryce et al., 2005 and ElMohamady et al., 2006).  For many sub-Saharan countries, studies on the prevalence and clinical significance of different gastroenteritis pathogens are incomplete or not available. (El Mohamady et al., 2006) In industrialized countries, the associated mortality is low, but morbidity remains high. Most episodes of gastroenteritis are brief and do not require medical attention, but the social and economic burdens are substantial because of the high incidence. Gastroenteritis in young children is characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhea, with or without vomiting. Most cases are due to a viral infection but some are caused by bacterial or protozoa infections. The illness usually resolves without treatment within days but severe gastroenteritis can rapidly cause dehydration, which may be life-threatening (NICE, the national institute for health and care excellence, 2009). Although the incidence of gastroenteritis among children under the age of five is heavy, according to Szajewska and Dziechciarz, (2010) improved prevention is achievable. Personal and food hygiene, including the use of clean water sources, are key measures to prevent transmission of this disease. Breastfeeding, especially under 6 months of age, also effectively protects infants. It has been noted that the severity and duration of symptoms of gastroenteritis are related to the pathogen causing the symptoms. Studies have estimated the incidence and disease burden of gastroenteritis at the population level, the causative pathogens and the identification of transmission modes, it is imperative to investigate the causes and risk factors of gastroenteritis amongst children 0 to 5 years of age.

1.2 Problem Statement                                                                                

Despite the high interventions put forward by the W.H.O. to combat Gastroenteritis amongst children 0 to 5 years, the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine was recommended amongst other vaccines in developing countries, 2 million deaths still occur each year in children under 5 years (Elliott, 2007). Personal and food hygiene, including the use of clean water sources, are key measures to prevent transmission of this disease. Breastfeeding, especially under 6 months of age, also effectively protects infants. It has been noted that the severity and duration of symptoms of gastroenteritis are related to the pathogen causing the symptoms. The Muea community was a camp area during the days of the colonial masters, in this area the is poor drainage, building of toilets and poor source of drinking water, more so most of the denizens here are farmers,  Mothers  occupy very  important  role in the  care of children  under  5  for  proper  intervention  and  quality  care  of  this children,  mothers need  to  keep  abreast   with current trends in  the management of  this  condition in this regard this study seeks to investigate Mothers Knowledge and Practices On the Management of Gastroenteritis In Children 0 5 Years in the Muea Community.

1.3 General objective

To Assess Mothers Knowledge and Practices on the Management of Gastroenteritis in Children 0 5 Years in the Muea Community

1.4   Specific Objectives

1. To investigate mothers’ knowledge on gastroenteritis among children 0 to 5 years in The Muea Community.
2. To investigate mothers’ practices on gastroenteritis amongst children 0 to 5 years in Muea community
3. To identify the measures put in place by mothers to combat gastroenteritis among children 0 to 5 years in muea community

1.5 Research Questions

Are mothers knowledgeable on gastroenteritis amongst children 0 to 5 years in The Muea Community?

What are the practices of mothers on gastroenteritis among children 0 to 5 years in The Muea Community?

What are the measures put in place by mothers to combat gastroenteritis among children 0 to 5 years in The Muea Community?

1.6 Hypothesis

H0: Mothers in the Muea Community do not have adequate knowledge in the management of gastroenteritis