Abstract

Back ground: Dysentery is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the intestines, leading to severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the stool WHO. It is typically caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections and is often associated with poor hygiene and contaminated food or water which has increased the mortality of dysentery.

Aim: To assess mothers’ knowledge in the prevention and management of dysentery in children 0-5 years in the Buea town community

Methodology: A stratified sectional study designed is where the community is divided into four where by each represent the entire population. After which a cross sectional will be use to select the participant who will take part in the study, Well-structured questionnaires were administered amongst 196 females.

Results: The main age of respondent was 31.78 and the group with the highest respondents was 20-30 years old. Out of the 196(100%) respondents ,63% was reported practicing good hygiene, which will help reduce the rate of dysentery, no knowledge as a challenge of not practicing good proper hygiene 37%.

Conclusions: Based on objective one it can be concluded that respondent have knowledge the on dysentery with 63% being knowledgeable and just 37% not knowledgeable. Based on objective two it can be concluded that respondent have knowledge on the prevention dysentery with 75% being knowledgeable and just 25% not knowledgeable

Based on objective two it can be concluded that respondent have knowledge on the management dysentery 50%.

Recommendations: The ministry of public health should increase the amount of community nurses being employed which will increase the amount of time they do sensitization on diseases which will help members of the community to gain knowledge on the disease.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the background of the study, statement of problem, general and specific objective, research questions, significance of the study, justification, scope of study, and operational and conceptual definition of terms

1.1 Background of the Study

Dysentery is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the intestines, leading to severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the stool (WHO). It is typically caused by bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections and is often associated with poor hygiene and contaminated food or water. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, along with preventive measures, can help manage and prevent dysentery. (1994- Kofloffel)

According to world health organization (WHO). Dysentery is an infection of the intestines which causes a passage of bloody stool mixed with mucus either cause by a bacteria shigella or by a parasite such as Entamoeba. However, dysentery according to (Bob Grant mar 21, 2016) reveals that the pathogen responsible for the gastrointestinal disease was originated in Europe and spread to the rest of the world decade ago causes millions of death in children. (Kosek, M., Bern, C., & Guerrant, R. L. 2003). Presently the risk of contracting dysentery diseases has increased 5-fold in sub-Saharan Africa compared to developed countries (39.1% vs. 7.2%, respectively. Thus, dysentery is an imminent threat to public health, particularly in the developing countries where it is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age (Louis Francois 1853)

Dysentery is a gastrointestinal infection characterized by inflammation of the intestines, leading to severe diarrhea, according to Florence Nightingale, a prominent figure in the history of nursing, is best known for her work during the Crimean War and her efforts to improve healthcare practices.

While she is not typically associated with formulating a specific theory on dysentery, her contributions to nursing and public health had a significant impact on the understanding and prevention of infectious diseases, including dysentery World Health Organization (WHO). Dysentery is s caused by various infectious agents, including bacteria, parasites, and, less commonly, viruses. The two main types of dysentery are bacillary dysentery, caused by bacteria such as Shigella species, and amoebic dysentery, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This conceptual review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of dysentery, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

In Cameroon, paucity of data on dysentery morbidity and mortality exits and these epidemiological studies have indicated community-based prevalence of acute dysentery to range from 16% to 23% among under-five developing depending country in 16 Nov 2016. Dysentery, turn-to remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst children (0-5) which is a major problem face by this age group. Etiological dysentery can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria (such as Shigella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli), parasites (such as Entamoeba histolytica), and transmission of dysentery occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through direct person-to- person contact with infected individuals. (strong et al.., 1941).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dysentery-related diarrheal diseases cause over 500,000 deaths globally each year. Dysentery imposes a significant economic burden on affected individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. The costs associated with medical treatment, hospitalization, lost productivity, and decreased quality of life contribute to the overall economic impact. A study by Kosek et al. estimated the economic burden of dysentery, including dysentery, to be approximately 6 billion per year in low- and middle-income countries.

In Cameroon dysentery outbreaks often result in the disruption of social and educational activities. Schools may be forced to close, impacting children’s access to education and hindering their long-term development. Mandela et al (Nov 2016) Dysentery, turn to remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst children (0-5) which is a major problem face by this age group.

Etiological dysentery can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria (such as Shigella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli), parasites (such as Entamoeba histolytica), and the transmission of dysentery occurs through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or through direct person-to- person contact with infected individuals. (Strong et al.., 1967.

It’s important to note that dysentery can have various causes, including bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. The specific symptoms and severity can vary depending on the underlying cause. If you suspect you have dysentery or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Although all the preventive measures put in place to fight dysentery, the percentage of the disease still increases causing the dead of children as a result of this it prompted the researcher to carry out the research topic ‘Assessing mothers’ knowledge in the prevention and management of dysentery in children (0-5) years in the Buea town community’.

1.3 Research objective

1.3.1 General objective

To assess mothers’ knowledge in the prevention and management of dysentery in children (0-5 years) in the Buea community.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

1. To assess Mother’s knowledge of dysentery in the Buea Town community.
2. To evaluate Mother’s knowledge on the prevention of dysentery in the Buea Town Community
3. To identify mothers’ knowledge of the management of dysentery in the Buea Town community

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