1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Diarrhoeal disease remains a significant global health issue, particularly affecting children under the age of five. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this age group, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. The World Health Organization (2023) defines diarrhoea as the passage of three or more loose or liquid stools per day, which can lead to severe dehydration and, if untreated, death. According to UNICEF (2022), Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the cornerstone of diarrhoea management in children. It is a scientifically formulated mixture of water, salts, and glucose designed to combat dehydration caused by diarrhoeal episodes (UNICEF, 2022). ORS has been widely recognized as one of the most important medical advances of the 20th century, with the potential to prevent over 90% of diarrhoea-related deaths in children when used correctly and consistently (WHO & UNICEF, 2023). However, the effectiveness of oral rehydration solution is heavily dependent on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of caregivers, particularly mothers, who are primarily responsible for home-based child care. In many rural communities in Nigeria, such as Oru Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, challenges such as lack of access to healthcare services, low literacy levels, and cultural beliefs often hinder the proper use of ORS. Many nursing mothers may either be unaware of ORS, unsure of how to prepare or administer it correctly, or may resort to traditional remedies that are not medically recommended.
According to World Health Organization (2023), diarrhoea is a major public health concern, especially among children under the age of five, and is characterized by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools three or more times within a 24-hour period (World Health Organization [WHO], 2023). It remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries, including Nigeria. One of the most effective, accessible, and low-cost treatments for diarrhoea is Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), which is a mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar that helps to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes (UNICEF, 2022).
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT), especially through the use of ORS, has been recommended globally as a first-line treatment for managing diarrhoeal diseases in children. According to WHO and UNICEF (2023), the consistent use of ORS can prevent up to 93% of diarrhoea-related deaths in children under five years of age. Despite its proven effectiveness, the uptake and correct use of ORS among nursing mothers are still suboptimal in many rural communities due to factors such as lack of awareness, cultural misconceptions, poor accessibility, and inadequate health education (WHO and UNICEF, 2023). Public health education and outreach programs about the benefits and proper use of ORS are often limited or inconsistent in rural areas. This research, therefore, seeks to explore the extent to which nursing mothers in Oru Ahiara utilize Oral Rehydration Solution in managing child diarrhoea, identify factors influencing their use of ORS, and suggest strategies to promote its proper use in the community.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that diarrhoeal disease remains one of the leading causes of preventable death among children under five, particularly in rural communities like Oru Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area. It is expected that nursing mothers, when equipped with the right knowledge, will know how to prepare and administer ORS at the onset of diarrhoea. However, in practice, many mothers still rely on local herbs, untreated water, or traditional remedies that lack medical backing. Some are unaware of the symptoms of dehydration or delay treatment until the child's condition worsens. Others may not have access to health education services or may face cultural beliefs that discourage modern treatments (UNICEF, 2022; NPC & ICF, 2019).
Furthermore, access to healthcare facilities is often limited, and the role of mothers in home-based treatment becomes even more critical. The improper or non-use of ORS in such communities is contributing to continued cases of avoidable complications and, tragically, child mortality. Although ORS is simple, affordable, and widely available, its effectiveness is only realized when mothers are aware of its use and apply it promptly and properly (WHO, 2023). It is against the backdrop that this study is therefore driven by the urgent need to explore how nursing mothers in Oru Ahiara are utilizing ORS in managing child diarrhoea.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of nursing mothers regarding the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) in the management of childhood diarrhoea in Oru Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. The specific objectives of the study are as follows:
- To determine the level of awareness among nursing mothers about the causes and dangers of diarrhoea in children.
- To assess the Knowledge of Nursing Mothers on the Preparation and Proper Use of ORS.
- To evaluate the frequency and manner in which nursing mothers use ORS during episodes of diarrhoea.
- To identify the challenges nursing mothers face in accessing or using ORS in the home setting.
- To recommend strategies for improving health education and ORS utilization in the management of child diarrhoea in the community.
1.4 Research Questions
Based on the objectives of this study, the following research questions have been formulated:
- Are there challenges facing nursing mothers towards child diarrhoea disease management?
- What is the level of awareness among nursing mothers in Oru Ahiara about the causes and dangers of diarrhoea in children?
- What do nursing mothers know about the preparation and proper use of oral rehydration solution (ORS)?
- How frequently and in what ways do nursing mothers use ORS when their children have diarrhoea?
- What challenges do nursing mothers face in accessing or using ORS at home?
- What strategies can be recommended to improve the use of ORS in managing child diarrhoea in Oru Ahiara?
1.5 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will help healthcare providers and public health authorities understand the gaps in health education and develop targeted interventions to improve ORS usage. It will also inform local and state government health departments on the need for increased awareness campaigns, especially in rural communities where access to health facilities may be limited.
Furthermore, the study will contribute to existing literature on child health and home-based care practices, serving as a reference for future researchers and health professionals. Nursing mothers themselves will benefit from the findings, as the study will promote better health-seeking behavior and potentially reduce child morbidity and mortality related to diarrhoea.
Lastly, the study will serve as a valuable resource for academic researchers and students by contributing to the body of knowledge on child health, diarrhoeal disease management, and the role of maternal practices in improving child survival.
1.7 Scope of Study
This study is specifically focused on examining the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS) in the management of diarrhoeal disease among nursing mothers residing in Oru Ahiara, located in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.
The research will center on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of these mothers regarding ORS and how it is applied during episodes of diarrhoea in children under the age of five. The study will involve selected primary healthcare centers in the area under the supervision of the Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, which is responsible for coordinating maternal and child health programs in rural communities.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
Despite the extensive scope of the study, there are several limitations that may affect the research outcomes:
- Respondent Bias: As with any survey-based research, there is a possibility of response bias, where participants may provide answers they believe are socially desirable rather than what truly reflects their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
- Data Collection Constraints: Given the rural setting, there may be challenges related to accessibility, as well as the availability of participants, which could affect the volume and consistency of data collected. Some nursing mothers might be unwilling to participate due to cultural or personal reasons, and there may be language barriers.
- Delay from Respondents: There was a delay from respondents in returning completed surveys or attending scheduled interviews. Several nursing mothers did not respond promptly due to personal schedules, making it difficult to complete the data collection within the anticipated time frame.
- Financial Constraints: Financial limitations were a significant challenge in the execution of the study. The budget allocated for transportation, materials, and other logistical needs was insufficient to cover the full costs, which resulted in fewer resources being available for comprehensive outreach and data collection.
- Time Constraints: The study was conducted within a limited time frame, which restricted the scope of research. Consequently, some areas of investigation were either shortened or excluded, affecting the overall comprehensiveness of the study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS):
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) refers to a specially formulated solution of water, salts, and sugars that is used to prevent or treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea. It is an affordable and effective intervention that has been widely recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the management of dehydration, especially in children under five years of age (World Health Organization, 2005).
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