Diarrhea is the foremost reason of morbidity in children under 5 years of age. Diarrhea can last for several days and can devoid the body without water and salts that are necessary for survival. Most children who died from diarrhea die from severe dehydration and fluid loss.

A study waspiloted in Raipur district to evaluate the level of knowledge of mothers (18-35 years of age) of under 5 children regarding ORS therapy. The study revealed that the average levels of awareness about ORS therapy of mothers were around 63.34% which may be due to their qualification level which was maximum till primary education. Merely 16.66% had a worthy level of knowledge regarding ORS therapy. Mothers being the prime caregiver for children at home during any illness.

Oral rehydration therapy is a deep-rooted therapy for the prevention and treatment of dehydration, and in most cases can be carried out at home.

Oral rehydration solution improves and stimulates the reabsorption of sodium and water and studies shows that these solutions significantly reduce vomiting, fluid loss from diarrhea, and period of illness. Fluid therapy with oral rehydration solution and other home solutions, and continued breastfeeding is one of the typical treatments.

The attentiveness of mother about health, disease, and precautionary services is the measurement by which we can measure the progress of the family with community, country. Management of diarrhea at home is somewhat common among rural mother but their level of awareness is poor. The poor practice of using oral rehydration solution is supplemented by its incorrect preparation which is connected to absence of mother prior experience.

Source: J Family Med Prim Care 2020;9:4747-50