Knowledge of diarrhea management among rural practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
To determine diarrhea management in rural practitioners.


METHODS
This study was conducted among the RMP's of 4 blocks of Aligarh. Pre-coded questionnaire was completed and educational programme followed. 91% were prescribing ORS in various combinations, but only 9.8% were advising ORS and feeding as standard management of diarrhea. Only 12.8% could name a WHO ORS brand and 50% were giving wrong instructions for preparation. 95% were advising inadequate amounts of ORS. Only 43.5% were advising feeding during diarrhea but 86.6% were advising to continue breastfeeding. On an average every 3rd to 4th patient was administered IVF's. 52% felt that drugs should be prescribed.


RESULTS
90% and 55.3% of RMPs could identify diarrhea and key signs of dehydration.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for hands on training for the practitioners and education of the masses regarding proper management of diarrhea.
Alam
Seema
S
Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru, Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, India. seemaa_alam@yahoo.co.in
Khan
Zulfia
Z
Amir
Ali
A
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D015532:Rehydration Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019035:Rural Health Services
D015532:Rehydration Solutions