Dehydration Knowledge and Dairrheal Perception are Predictors of Dairrheal Home Management: A Cross-Sectional Study of Caregivers in West Seme, Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: With the increasing number of under-five diarrhea in Seme Sub-County; therefore, it is important to assess under-five caregivers’ knowledge and perception on diarrheal home management. Methodology: A community-based survey involving 394 caregivers was done. Multistage sampling technique was used to identify caregivers. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Logistic regression was used to determine the link between knowledge/perception and diarrheal home management. Results: About 79.9% knew the causes of diarrhea while only 11% recognized danger signs of dehydration. About 39.2% had good diarrheal management practice. Those who identified causes of diarrhea were more likely to give water (OR=3.7, p<0.05) and continue feeding (OR=1.4, p=0.04) during diarrhea. Those who recognized dehydration signs were more likely to give ORS (OR=4.67, p= 0.022), give water (OR=5.34, p=0.001), and continue feeding (OR=6.63, p =0.038). Those who perceived severe diarrhea were more likely to use ORS (OR=2.1, p=0.008) and give water (OR=4.2, p=0.048) during diarrheal episode. Conclusion: Causes of diarrhea were well known; however, few knew signs of dehydration. Knowing dehydration signs and perceiving diarrhea severity predict good diarrheal home management. It is important to educate caregivers on the signs of dehydration and diarrhea severity to enhance appropriate diarrheal home management