Publication: Evaluation of Knowledge and Practice Among Mothers of Children Under 5 with Acute Diarrhea in Vietnam
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Perinatal Society of Nepal (PESON)
Abstract
Abstract:
Background: Inadequate knowledge and poor practices of mothers in the prevention and care of children with acute diarrhea (AD) contribute to serious complications and increased mortality rates in children. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of mothers in the prevention and management of diarrhea in children under 5 years old in Vietnam.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 100 mothers at the Pediatric Digestive Department of Can Tho Children's Hospital from January 2024 to October 2024. Mothers were interviewed directly using a standard questionnaire. Adequate knowledge and good practice were defined as caregivers who answered equal to or above the mean number of questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS v20.
Results: A total of 100 mothers with children suffering from AD were included in the study. The average age of the mothers was 30.5 (5.9). Of the 100 mothers, 90% had adequate knowledge about AD. Among them, 91% recognized the signs of dehydration in children. Most mothers were aware of the severe and dangerous signs that warranted seeking medical attention. However, the percentage of mothers with good practice for taking care children with AD was low (27%). Only 30% of mothers had the skills to prepare ORS.
Conclusion: Although a high proportion of mothers possess adequate knowledge regarding the prevention and management of childhood diarrhea, their practical application remains limited. Therefore, current policies should prioritize enhancing maternal practices in the care of children with diarrhea.
Description
Thang Ngoc Pham
Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
Tan Ngoc Tan Nguyen
Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
Thai Quoc Duong
Faculty of Medicine, Nam Can Tho University, Can Tho, Vietnam
Thanh Yen Huynh
Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
Gai Thi Le
Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
Duc Long Tran
Faculty of Medicine, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
Keywords
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Children, Diarrhea, Knowledge, Practice