Knowledge and Practice of Mothers Regarding Home Management of Diarrheal Diseases Among Children Under-Five year in Banja Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Diarrheal disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in Ethiopia despite being largely preventable, and appropriate home-based management by mothers plays a vital role in reducing complications and deaths. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2023 among 419 mothers of under-five children with diarrhea attending selected health centers in Banja Woreda, northwest Ethiopia, to assess their knowledge and practice regarding home management of diarrheal diseases. Data were collected using a pretested, structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from World Health Organization guidelines and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were employed, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Of the respondents (response rate: 99.8%), 60.6% (95% CI: 55.8–65.3) had good knowledge, and 58.5% (95% CI: 53.7–63.2) demonstrated good practice. Occupational and marital status were significantly associated with knowledge, while occupational status and monthly income were significantly associated with practice. Although mothers’ knowledge was relatively moderate, actual home management practices were suboptimal. Strengthening targeted health education interventions focusing on practical skills, particularly among low-income and non-employed mothers, is therefore recommended.