Waqar Rabbani, Syed Khalid Abbas Bukhari, Sajid Mustafa Ahmed Iqbal Quddusi, Syed Nazar Abbas.
Awareness of malnutrition and diarrheal diseases among mothers in Multan region.
Pak Paed J Jan ;30(3):131-5.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers about malnutrition and diarrheal diseases; perceptions about signs and symptoms of dehydration; preparation and use of ORS; breast feeding and weaning practices. Study Design: A cross -sectional descriptive study. Place and Duration: The study was carried out in (CDDU-CHC) Control of Diarrheal Disease Unit, Children Hospital Complex, Multan, over a period of six months (March-Aug 2005). Subjects and Methods: A total of 400 mothers, with children of age group 2 months-5 years, were randomly selected and knowledge, attitude, behavior and practices regarding malnutrition and diarrheal diseases were determined on a pre-coded questionnaire. The data was analysed usingSPSS-10 software. Results: The baseline knowledge of the mothers about malnutrition, diarrheal diseases, breast feeding, weaning practices and hand washing was not adequate, probably because of low literacy rate. Conclusion: Considering high prevalence of malnutrition and diarrheal diseases and the relative lack of knowledge, it is imperative that a public health intervention program be initiated in the communities. This must include the education of caretakers as well as health workers.

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