Maternal Knowledge and Practices in Diarrhoeal Management: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoeal disease remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among children under five years, particularly in rural and resource-limited settings. Timely home-based management using oral rehydration salts (ORS), zinc supplementation, continued feeding, and hygienic practices can significantly reduce diarrhoea-related deaths; however, caregiver-level gaps persist.
Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding diarrhoeal management among mothers of under-five children in rural Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and to identify associated socio-demographic factors.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 19–27 November 2022 in three randomly selected villages under the Rural Health Training Centre of Sharda University. A total of 223 mothers of under-five children were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire assessing KAP related to diarrhoea management. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test.
Results: While 66.4% of mothers were aware of diarrhoea, only 37.2% knew its causes and 33.2% knew the correct preparation of ORS. Although 87.4% recognised exclusive breastfeeding as a preventive measure, awareness regarding vaccination (34.1%) and sanitation (45.3%) was limited. In practice, 41.7% of mothers used ORS and only 16.6% administered zinc during diarrhoeal episodes. Maternal education and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with better knowledge and practices (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Despite the availability of effective interventions, important gaps in maternal knowledge and practices persist. Strengthening community-based health education and improving ORS and zinc utilisation through frontline health workers are essential to reduce preventable diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality.