Knowledge of the Mothers toward Sanitation and Hygiene in relation to Childhood Gastroenteritis in Babylon Province

Abstract

The negative impact of gastroenteritis in those aged 5 or less in Babylon Province in Central Iraq cannot be
underestimated as it is a serious impediment to the wellbeing and cognitive development of children and
a cause of unnecessary death in this resource-strained region of the Middle Eastern country. In this region
diarrhea is an important clinical presentation at primary health care institutions and other health affiliated
centres, stands out as a leading cause of admission to many of the emergency hospital wards in Babylon,
and a serious and ironically, often reversible cause of loss of precious lives. Regional attitudes in the Middle
Euphrates Region about causes that lead to childhood gastroenteritis vary from rural and urban localities and
even from townships, a cultural issue that is true for most provinces of Iraq.
Aim of the study: 1-To study the social and demographic aspects related to sanitation and personal hygiene
regarding childhood diarrhea in Babylon Province.
2- To determine the local knowledge, of women and care givers about childhood diarrhea.
Patients and methods: This cross sectional work was carried in Babylon Province, Iraq. A total 408
respondents attending primary health care institutions and pediatric clinics for treatment of diarrhea , during
the period from first of January 2019 to the first of May 2019.
Results and Conclusions: In Babylon Province outbreaks of diarrhea tend to be noticed early in life prior
to first year of life despite the fact that around three quarters of infants who contracted gastroenteritis were
in compliance with Rota Vaccine timetable schedule. Seven out of ten women were fully knowledgeable of
the importance immunization against Rota virus and its vital role in reduction of the risk of gastroenteritis.
When their children contract diarrhea, a percentage shy of 66% said that they would seek paediatric medical
attention .
Respondents whose infants were affected tend to be mostly urban, in their teenage years and lacked
proper education. There is a remarkable lack of adequate knowledge about ways of contracting childhood
gastroenteritis.