Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the influence of diarrhoea on health status of children (0-5 years). Its significance is to enlighten childbearing womens knowledge on the causes and prevention of diarrhoea in order to reduce infant mortality and morbidity. The objectives of the study are to find out the level of knowledge of child bearing mothers on the causes of diarrhoea among children 0-5 years, in Nnarambia Community, to find out the attitude of mothers towards carrying out proper management of diarrhoea in children 0-5 years, to find out the extent mothers practice preventive measure/manage diarrhoea in children 0-5 years, to find out the implications of diarrhoea on the health status of children 0-5 years and to suggest possible ways of preventing/reducing diarrhoeal disease among children 0-5 years. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. Questionnaire were simple random sampling techniques was used to select a sample size of 100. The data collection was by the use of questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using tables and percentages. Results of the research revealed that majority of the mothers (40%) of childbearing mothers have fair knowledge of the causes of diarrhoeal disease in children less than five years of age. Majority of mothers have negative attitude towards the carrying out proper management of diarrhoea in children 0-5 years. Recommendation made is to intensify effort and health education to childbearing mothers about causes of diarrhoea, encourage and motivate mothers to give oral rehydration solution ORS to their children when they have diarrhoea and to improve good personal and environmental hygiene.