International Journal of Neonatal Care and Pediatric Nursing

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

2026-07-10T04:50:06+00:00

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.

Exploring Mothers’ Knowledge, Utilization, and Satisfaction with Postnatal Care Services at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

2026-07-23T11:49:52+00:00

Postnatal care (PNC) helps in decreasing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Uptake and satisfaction, however, continue to be low in the facilities in many Nigerians. This study examines the utilization, knowledge, and satisfaction among women for PNC at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, with an aim towards determining motivating factors and improving the service. A mixed-method design was used. Quantitative data were gathered from 248 postpartum mothers using structured questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with the ten purposively sampled mothers and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis process. Interpretations were triangulated. Most of the women (62.9%) lacked sufficient knowledge about PNC, specifically in the areas of maternal danger signs and mental health. Utilization was moderate (median 3.0/4), with satisfaction rates equally moderate. Both the utilization and satisfaction were strongly associated (χ² = 11.36, p = 0.010). Qualitative findings indicated emotional neglect, waits, and lack of person-centered communication, with high trust in care for the infant and in caregivers' competence. The research identifies how systemic service constraints and knowledge gaps compromise the best postnatal care. Respectful communication, emotional support, and formal health education were themes that emerged throughout satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Cultural tensions and provider-client interactions strongly influenced mothers' perceptions, emphasizing the need for person-centered, culturally responsive models for delivering services. PNC quality in FMC Umuahia was technically sound but lacking in emotional, educational, and systemic responsiveness. Interventions that specifically aim for better postnatal outcomes include provider education in patient-centered care, formal counseling, reduced waiting times, and culturally responsive educational materials. Engaging family support systems and electronic follow-up tools can increase participation and satisfaction. All these interventions are necessary for the development of better maternal health outcomes and attainment of sustainable development goals in Nigeria and worldwide.

Impact of Digital Parenting on Emotional and Behavioral Health of Children

2026-06-17T05:26:37+00:00

Digital technology has become an integral part of children’s daily life because of the increasing use of smartphones, tablets, social media, online gaming, and virtual learning platforms. The growing dependence on digital devices has raised major concerns regarding the emotional and behavioral health of children. Digital parenting refers to parental supervision, monitoring, guidance, and regulation of children’s online activities and screen exposure to ensure healthy digital behavior and online safety. Appropriate digital parenting practices can positively influence children’s emotional stability, educational development, communication skills, and social interactions. However, inadequate parental supervision and excessive screen exposure may contribute to anxiety, depression, irritability, aggression, sleep disturbances, behavioural problems, poor academic performance, internet addiction, and social isolation among children. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated digital dependency because of online education and reduced outdoor activities. Parenting style, family communication, socioeconomic status, and parental digital literacy strongly influence children’s technology use and psychological well-being. Digital parenting has therefore emerged as an important public health and nursing concern. The present review article focuses on the concept of digital parenting, patterns of digital media exposure among children, emotional and behavioral consequences of excessive screen use, parenting strategies, and the role of nursing professionals in promoting healthy digital lifestyles among children and adolescents.