Perceptions and practices of oral rehydration therapy among caregivers in Cork, Ireland

Authors

  • Kene E. Maduemem Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Ireland,
  • Muhammad Rizwan Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Ireland,
  • Nnaemeka Akubue Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria
  • Ioana D. Maris Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Ireland; Department of Paediatrics and child health, University College Cork, Ireland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20174216

Keywords:

Oral rehydration therapy, Diarrhoea, Acute gastroenteritis

Abstract

Background: The use of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) remains limited despite international guidelines for diarrhoeal disease management. This study was done to assess the perception and practice of ORT among caregivers in the management of diarrhoeal disease.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Paediatric Department of Cork University Hospital, Ireland. The study population consisted of parents/guardians of children attending the Paediatric Day Ward or Paediatric Outpatient Department. A questionnaire consisting of 30 questions was originally designed by the first author to include all the study variables, and was given to the participants.

Results: Out of 402 respondents, 76.6% (n=308) could describe diarrhoea correctly and perceived it as a serious illness. 81.3% (n=327) of participants knew about ORT but only 27.2% (n=89) agreed it was an ideal first line of management of diarrhoeal disease. Diarrhoeal episodes in the preceding 12 months were reported predominantly in children under the age of 5 years (p<0.001). Only 8.7% (n=17) of caregivers used ORT for diarrhoeal management.

Conclusions: Poor uptake of ORT appears to be due to caregivers’ negative perceptions of ORT. This emphasizes the need for correct and adequate education. 

Author Biographies

Kene E. Maduemem, Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Ireland,

Paediatric Registrar, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland

Muhammad Rizwan, Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Ireland,

Paediatric Registrar

Nnaemeka Akubue, Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria

Paediatric Registrar

Ioana D. Maris, Department of Paediatrics, Cork University Hospital, Ireland; Department of Paediatrics and child health, University College Cork, Ireland

Clinical Senior Lecturer.

Locum Consultant Paediatrician.

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Published

2017-09-22

How to Cite

Maduemem, K. E., Rizwan, M., Akubue, N., & Maris, I. D. (2017). Perceptions and practices of oral rehydration therapy among caregivers in Cork, Ireland. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 4(10), 3536–3541. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20174216

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Section

Original Research Articles