Knowledge, Attitude And Behaviour Of The Parents About Management Of Acute Gastroenteritis

Objective: Proper management of dehydration at home could decrease both mortality and morbidity. We aimed to quantify the knowledge, attitude and practice of intermediate and high social status families in diarrhea management.Methods: Parents with children aged between 6 months, and 5 years were enrolled. Sociocultural levels of the parents, their knowledge, attitude and practice about feeding, fluid intake and usage of oral rehydration fluid for diarrhea were questioned.Results: There were 189 parents in the study group. Parents with high sociocultural class consisted 79.4% of the group. Over 90% of the parents stated that breastfeeding should continue. Parents said that food amount should be the same (54.1%) or increased (33%). Parents, mostly increased fluid intake in case of diarrhea (93.3%). The difference between sociocultural classes was not significant. Knowledge on usage of oral rehydration fluid was not sufficient.Conclusion: Regardless of the sociocultural level all parents should be informed properly on the management of diarrhea and dehydration.