A survey was carried out amongst a population of 6236 on diarrhoeal mortality and morbidity along with beliefs and practices at Addis Zemen, Northwestern Ethiopia. The prevalence (13.5%) and the proportion of diarrhoea related deaths (41.7%) were high among children below five years. Most of the mothers believed that diarrhoea was caused by the will of God (33.1%) and by sorcery (11.5%). Medication ranged from modern drugs (37.4%) oral rehydration therapy (ORT) (26.2%), and traditional medicine (22.4%). 86.1% continued breast feeding during diarrhoea. About 81.2% of mothers who used ORT believed that ORT would stop diarrhoea. The prevalent beliefs related to breast feeding and the usage of ORT are useful and should be encouraged with proper education of mothers on the significance of ORT in prevention and correction of dehydration.
PIP: A study on diarrheal morbidity and mortality was conducted at Addis Zemen, Ethiopia from February 3-17 1986. The purpose of the study was to discover what effect religious beliefs and practices, age of the child, and the type of medication used had on the proportion of diarrheal mortality and morbidity. A survey was carried out on a population of 6236 - 1309 single households. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to assess the existing pattern of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to diarrheal practices among 1103 mothers. Interviews of the mothers were carried out by 5 senior medical students. The results of the study are as follows: the prevalence rate was highest among children under the age of 5 (13.5%); diarrhoea related deaths in relation to total mortality was found to be highest, both in under 5 (41.7%) and above 5 (27.3%); 33.1% of the women believed that diarrhea was caused by the "Will Of God", 11.5% believed that it was caused by sorcery; 29.5% attributed diarrhea to poor sanitation; 63.8% recognized the dangers of diarrhea and realized that it could cause death. 67.7% of the mothers utilized modern medical care such as oral rehydration therapy (ORT), injections and antibiotics. The remaining percentage used traditional indigenous medicines such as weak tea. Discussed further are the use of counseling and encouragement to women who used ORT and believe that it is a sound and effective manner of combating diarrhea.