A Comparative Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Oral Rehydration Solution Preparation in Treatment of Diarrhoea Among Mothers of Under-Five-Year-Old Children in Urban and Rural Areas of Parli V. Dist.-Beed

Ram Holambe; Munde Anjali; Kendre Sudarshan; Lavhare Omkar; Shaikh Siddik; Munde Pratap

doi:10.46610/IJNCPN.2026.v07i02.002

Authors

Ram Holambe
Munde Anjali
Kendre Sudarshan
Lavhare Omkar
Shaikh Siddik
Munde Pratap

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46610/IJNCPN.2026.v07i02.002

Keywords:

Diarrhea Management, Mothers of Under-Five Children, Maternal Knowledge, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), Urban–Rural Comparison

Abstract

Background: Diarrheal disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age worldwide, despite being preventable and treatable. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a simple, effective, and lifesaving intervention for managing diarrhea. Mothers play a crucial role in the timely preparation and administration of ORS at home, making their knowledge essential for improving child health outcomes.

Aim: To compare the knowledge regarding ORS preparation for the treatment of diarrhea among mothers of under-five children residing in selected urban and rural areas.

Methods: A non-experimental descriptive comparative research design was adopted. Sixty mothers of under-five children (30 urban and 30 rural) were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, content-validated questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the independent t-test.

Results: Urban mothers demonstrated significantly higher knowledge regarding ORS preparation than rural mothers. The mean knowledge score was 12.9 among urban mothers compared with 6.3 among rural mothers. The difference was statistically significant (t = 8.5, df = 58, p < 0.05). Maternal knowledge was also significantly associated with selected demographic variables, indicating that factors such as education and socioeconomic characteristics may influence ORS preparation practices.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a substantial gap in knowledge of ORS preparation among rural mothers compared with urban mothers. Strengthening community-based health education and nursing-led awareness programs can improve maternal knowledge and promote appropriate home management of childhood diarrhea, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes among under-five children.