EXPLORING AWARENESS AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN 1-5 YEARS OF AGE REGARDING IDENTIFICATION, AND TRANSMISSION OF CHOLERA
Main Article Content
Keywords
Cholera, Mothers, Identification, transmission, Children
Abstract
Background: Cholera is a global issue, presenting mostly in developing regions. Though it affects all ages, however, the incidence among children under 1-5 years old is 2-4 times higher than the rest of the population. Mothers’ knowledge of cholera plays a key role in its prevention. Hence, the study objective was to determine the awareness among mothers of children 1-5 years old regarding identification, and transmission of cholera.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to February 2021 in five big cities of Pakistan. The public health facilities of Lahore (Jinnah Hospital, Children Hospital, Lahore General Hospital, and Services Hospital), Kasur (DHQ Hospital), Gujranwala (DHQ Hospital), Sheikhupura (DHQ Hospital), and Faisalabad (DHQ Hospital) were selected randomly. The 800 children’s mother visited the health facility for cholera were included in the study. The knowledge on identification and transmission was collected through a previously published validated tool. The chi-square test was used to determine the association between variables. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 is considered significant.
Results: The results showed that less than 50% of mothers were aware of identification signs/ symptoms and the spread of cholera. While only 48% of mothers were aware of the route of transmission of cholera. A significant association (P=0.03) was found between the sex of children and mother knowledge regarding cholera transmission. Another significant association (p=0.04) was found between mothers’ level of education and cholera transmission.
Conclusion: Mothers have insufficient knowledge regarding the identification and transmission of cholera among children. Community-based health education programs should be held regularly to disseminate cholera.
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Mishal Liaqat
Principal, Al-Aleem Institute of Nursing, Gulab Devi Educational Complex, Lahore - Pakistan
Rukhsana Kousar
HOD, Nursing Department, Times Institute, Multan - Pakistan.
Shamim Bibi
RHC Khanqah Sharif, Bahawalpur, Multan - Pakistan
Parveen Anjum
Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur, Multan - Pakistan