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Colombia Médica
On-line version ISSN 1657-9534
Abstract
DELGADO, Mario Francisco et al. Maternal knowledge about childrens danger signs in acute diarrhoea in an IMCIs frame. Colomb. Med. [online]. 2006, vol.37, n.4, pp.293-298. ISSN 1657-9534.
Background: IMCI ( Integrated Management Childhood Illness) is a sort of strategy for childhood attention that aims to reduce mortality by prevalent diseases in population below 5 years old. In acute diarrhoea the IMCIs preventive activities are to promote the maternal knowledge about danger signs, to look for opportune care and to improve oral hydration therapy (ORT). Objectives: To establish maternal knowledge about childrens danger signs in acute diarrhoea below 5 years old. To determine hydration practices in acute diarrhoea. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in Hospital del Norte of Popayán, Colombia , first level of attention health centre for establishing mothers knowledge of danger signs in acute diarrhoea. A survey based of an instrument from IMCI to 204 mothers chosen consecutively was applied. Variables measured were: maternal age, sex, child age, region (urban-rural), socioeconomic status, bond to the Colombian Social Security National System, scholarship, number of sons, coexistence with partner, coexistence with childs grandmother. The knowledge variable was determined from a dichotomy way. The mothers knowledge was established if she knew 2 or more danger signs in acute diarrhoea. Results: Only 54% of mothers knew at least 2 danger signs in diarrhoea. Mothers used: Homemade liquids, 49%; commercial ORT, 49%; homemade serum, 23%. The fact of living with the grandmother was independent associated with an increase in maternal knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion: Since nearly half of the mothers dont know a danger sign makes necessary an educational intervention in acute diarrhoea and to divulge IMCIs recommendations. In this intervention grandmothers must be included.
Keywords : Diarrhea; Acute illness; Mothers; Knowledge; Infant; Preschool.