Environmental Determinants Of ORS-Zinc Use In Child Diarrhoea

Abstract

Objectives:To assess maternal knowledge and practices regarding the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc supplementation in managing diarrhoea among children under five, and to explore associated socio-demographic and environmental factors.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 221 mothers at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessed maternal knowledge and practices concerning ORS and zinc. Multivariate logistic regression identified socio-demographic predictors of good knowledge and practice.
Results:While 70.6% of mothers knew the correct time to start ORS, only 48.2% were aware of zinc’s role in diarrhoea reduction. Good knowledge was associated with older maternal age (>31 years, AOR = 2.27; p = 0.048) and urban residence (AOR = 2.36; p = 0.009). Only 38.5% completed the 14-day zinc course. Maternal education significantly predicted good practice (AOR = 0.40; p = 0.013 for school-educated vs graduates).
Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness of ORS among mothers, substantial gaps persist in both zinc-related knowledge and its correct application. Environmental determinants particularly maternal education and urban residence were significantly associated with better knowledge and practices. Strengthening maternal health education through community-level interventions and ensuring consistent availability of ORS and zinc in both urban and rural settings are essential to bridging this gap and enhancing child health outcomes.