KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF CAREGIVERS TO DIARRHOEAL DISEASE IN CHILDREN UNDER AGE FIVE IN MAKOKO SLUM AREA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA.

The “war” against diarrhoea rages on and it ranks among the top causes of death in under 5 years children. It is important to have an understanding of the perception of caregivers which includes mothers, grandmothers and members of extended families responsible for children care in order to be able to provide the best health interventions. The objective of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of care givers to diarrhoeal diseases in children under the age of 5 within the Makoko community in Lagos, Nigeria. A cross sectional survey was conducted alongside observation of Oral Rehydration therapy (ORT) preparation practice. Structured questionnaires were administered using a clustered sampling approach to 260 chosen caregivers within the Makoko Community. The questionnaire was prepared by researchers after review of relevant literature. In the study, 37.3% of the respondents were within the age range of 21-35 and 80% of the respondents were mothers with the majority (66.1%) receiving little or no formal education. Approximately 68% of the caregivers were able to identify major signs of diarrhoea in children. About 71.5% of them had a positive attitude and were interested in training on diarrhoeal management. Their practices however were fair with about 51% being aware of ORT in the treatment of diarrhoea in children but not necessarily knowing how well. In addition, some caregivers are still engaged in negative practices like the use of local herbs. The study therefore concludes on the need for extensive information and education including practical approaches for the caregivers to adopt more positive practices to prevent diarrhoeal diseases and drop negative cultural practices that increase risk of diarrhea in children under the age of 5.