Knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers on the prevention and management of Diarrhoea in children under five years, Otjiwarongo district, Otjozondjupa region, Namibia
| dc.contributor.advisor | Iita, Hermine | |
| dc.contributor.author | Shilongo-Munenguni, Wilikka | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-17T08:43:07Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-17T08:43:07Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | A research mini-thesis submitted in partial-fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Public Health | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diarrhea prevention and management among mothers of children under 5 years in Otjiwarongo district in the Otjozondjupa region, Namibia. The specific objectives were to assess the general knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers about diarrhea prevention, and management; to determine mothers' attitudes towards diarrhea prevention and management; and to explore mothers’ practices towards the prevention and management of diarrhea in children under five years in Otjiwarongo district, Otjozondjupa region. Employing a quantitative approach using a cross- sectional study, the study utilized simple random sampling to select 390 mothers from Otjiwarongo district clinics and Health Centers. Responses were analyzed using one-sample chi square tests. The findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge and practices regarding the prevention and management of diarrhea. Approximately 39.1% of mothers lacked understanding of diarrhea as a condition, and 61.1% were unaware of common causes, impacting their ability to prevent and manage diarrhea effectively. Additionally, 49.2% did not recognize the role of hygiene, while 41.2% underestimated the importance of hand washing. Knowledge of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) was deficient in 43.6% of the respondents. Furthermore, 40.4% did not prioritize medical attention, and 45.6% were unaware of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Poor dietary practices were evident as 42.6% had limited knowledge about appropriate nutrition during diarrhea episodes. Vaccination knowledge was lacking in 42.2% of mothers, with substantial gaps in understanding proper waste disposal (42.6%) and clean water importance (48.9%).These findings underscore the need for enhanced education and interventions by the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Otjozondjupa Region Health Directorate. Strategies should include targeted mothers education programs, improved access to i clean water, and promoting breastfeeding and vaccinations. Education on hygiene, sanitation, and child nutrition is crucial to improve health outcomes for children under five years. Addressing these gaps can significantly reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases and improve child health in this vulnerable age group | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/11070/4253 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Namibia | |
| dc.subject | Mothers knowledge | |
| dc.subject | Mothers attitudes | |
| dc.subject | Mothers practices | |
| dc.subject | Children under five years | |
| dc.subject | Diarrhea | |
| dc.subject | Prevention | |
| dc.subject | Management | |
| dc.subject | Otjozondjupa | |
| dc.subject | Namibia | |
| dc.subject | University of Namibia | |
| dc.title | Knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers on the prevention and management of Diarrhoea in children under five years, Otjiwarongo district, Otjozondjupa region, Namibia | |
| dc.type | Thesis |