The İnformation Levels of the Mothers About Diarrhe, Whose Children Have Been Admitled to An University Hospital

Aim: Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in childhood, especially in developing countries. Dehydration related to diarrhea can be mortal if it could not be prevented. Mothers play important role in preventing children from diarrhea and replacing fluid and elect rolytes before the dehydration. Material and Method: Information levels of the mothers about diarrhea and oral rehydration solution were extracted from an questionnaire form. The results of the questionnaire were investigated according to socioeconomic, educational levels of the mothers. Results: In the study, 250 mothers’ answers (ages varied 17 to 50-years-old, median; 32-years-old) were evaluated. Seventy-seven (30.8%) of the mothers were from upper-socioeconomic-class 98(39.2%) were from middle-socioeconomic-class, and 75 (30%)were from lower-socioeconomic-class. Approximately, half of the mothers were graduated from primary school. 190 (76%) of mothers pointed out that diarrhea is a mortal disease and the most common protection practice is to be aware of hygiene, whereas 26.8% of the participants remarked that they did not have any idea for protection from diarrhea. The most common method that the mothers choose when their children had diarrhea was juicy drinks (55.6%), and application to medical center (24.4%). 93.6% of the mothers remarked that they should increased intake of juicy drinks and 88.4% remarked that they did not stop breast feedings when their children had diarrhea. Oral rehydration solution was known by 76.4% of the participants, and this knowledge had been achieved from a medical center (42%) and broadcast media (18.8%). Seven of the mothers (2.8%) had a history of child death related to diarrhea. Conclusion: Since diarrhea still remains one of the most common causes of mortality in childhood in the twenty-first century, the mothers must be instructed, and much time must be allowed in primary medical center and media for education about diarrhea. Unlabored achievement to oral rehidration solution must be provided for the parents.