MATERNAL ABILITIES IN THE PREVENTION AND HANDLING OF INFANTILE DIARRHEA

Abstract

Aim: To identify the maternal abilities in the prevention and handling of infantile diarrhea. Method: Transversal, quantitative study, carried out with 448 mothers of children under 5 years old, resident in Fortaleza-CE. Data were collected through interviews, using a form containing socio demographical characteristics and aspects related to maternal care for prevention and handling of infantile diarrhea. Results: The mothers had an average age of 28.34 years and 9.1 years of study. The medium income per capita was R$150. Most of the women had a couple and worked at home. Significant statistical correlation was observed between the realization of a homemade recipe and maternal age (p=0,027); and between the availability of oral rehydration solutions for the child and schooling of the mother (p=0,013). The previous act of receiving the information on prevention of infantile diarrhea showed statistical association with maternal age (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The mothers has as main hability to prevent and handle infantile diarrhea the referal of the child to a health service, the use of homemade recipes and inmunization against rotavirus, showing that these are situations in which nurses are able to intervene.