Knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers (KAP) on management of childhood diarrhoes amond children aged between 0-5 years attending child welfare clinic (CWC) in Mogoditshane Village, Botswana

Abstract

Background: Diarrheoa continues to plague on Botswana children, resulting in high mortality of children below five years. In 2015 childhood diarrheoa accounted for 6 percent of deaths of children in Botswana. Good knowledge, attitude and practices of caregivers is pivotal to protection, prevention and treatment of childhood diarrhoea, hence reduce mortality thereof. Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine the level of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of caregivers on management of childhood diarrhoea among children between 0 to 5 years attending childwelfare clinics in Mogoditshane village, Botswana. Methodiology: A cross-sectional survey with a convenience sampling was used to select participants. A structured questionaire was used to collect data from 84 respondants regarding demography, knowledge, attitudes and practices on management of dirrhoea in children. Data was analyzed using Epi Info software. Descriptive statistis included measures and frequency tabulations and and inferential statistics included cross-tabulations to investigate statistical associations with KAP were used for analysis. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with KAP. Results: The study found inadequate KAP among caregivers that was significantly associated with gender and level of education. Gender was significantly associatedwith level of knowledge (p<0.001) and level of practice (p= 0.04) while level of caregivers education was significant with level of attitude. (p= 0.015). There was no statistical significant relationship found between KAP variables. Practice and knowledge (p-value close to 1), practice and attitude (p=0.70), attitude and knowledge (p=0.66). Mean age was 30 years (SD=8.38). 26 (32%) had good knowledge and 58 (68%) had moderate knowledge. The mean score of respondents’ attitudes was 14.33 (SD= 3,178) with 36 (43%) having good attitudes towards the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea while 48 (57%) had poor attitudes. 28(57%) of caregivers had good practices and (71%) had poor practices. Conclusion: Existing public health programs targeting prevention of diarrhoea and dehydration should consider gender, level of education, perceptions and beliefs of caregivers when planning for interventions.