A Study To Assess The Knowledge And Practices on Prevention and Management of Diarrhoea Among The Mothers of Children Under 5 Years of Age in Selected Community Setting in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Abstract Introduction: In many developing countries, Diarrhoeal episodes are treated at home by the Mothers who are the main caregivers to Under-Five Children. Hence, their knowledge about this common disease is critically important. On the other hand, the poor knowledge of Mothers about the cause of Diarrhoea might limit them from taking appropriate timely actions. The role of the mother is vital in health promotion, disease prevention and child care. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practices on prevention and management of diarrhoea and to find out the association of their knowledge with selected demographic variables (age, education, per capita income, number of children under 5 years of age, no. of episodes of diarrhoea in the past 6 months and source of water). Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the mothers of children under 5 years of age in selected community setting, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. A total of 183 mothers were selected for the study using convenient sampling technique. Result: The findings of the study revealed that out of 183 mothers, about 86 (47%) mothers have good knowledge and 139 (76%) mothers have adequate practice regarding diarrhoea and it`s prevention and management. It is found that education of the mothers and per capita income of the family is associated with the knowledge regarding diarrhoea and it`s prevention and management. Conclusion: From the present study, it is found that most of the mothers have good knowledge and adequate practice regarding diarrhoea and it’s prevention and management.