The relationship between parent’s knowledge and attitudes regarding childhood diarrhoea treatment

Background: Diarrhoea remains a significant contributor to infant mortality rates in Indonesia. Implementing appropriate treatment strategies is essential to prevent complications such as dehydration in children. Parental involvement is crucial in the management and prevention of diarrhoea, as well as in providing timely care to affected children. Objective: To assess the relationship between parental knowledge and attitudes toward managing childhood diarrhoea. Method: Using an analytical observational cross-sectional design, the study was conducted in the Malang Raya region between December 2022 and May 2023. A total of 146 participants were selected through purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected via a knowledge questionnaire and an attitude questionnaire. The correlation between parental knowledge and attitudes was analysed using the Pearson Product-Moment correlation. Result: Respondents' knowledge levels were categorised as good (13.7%), moderate (52.7%), and poor (33.56%). Attitudes were categorised as positive (48.0%) and negative (52.1%). The Pearson Product-Moment test revealed a significant correlation, with a p-value of 0.000 and a correlation coefficient of 0.437. Conclusion: The findings indicate a statistically significant, positive correlation between parental knowledge and attitudes toward managing childhood diarrhoea.