Abstract

BURGOA RIVERO, Claudia V.  and  SALAS MALLEA, Ariel A.. Parental knowledge and attitudes regarding respiratory tract infections and acute gastroenteritis in children less than five years of age. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2008, vol.47, n.2, pp.72-76. ISSN 1024-0675.

Objective: to assess parental knowledge and attitudes regarding respiratory tract infections and acute gastroenteritis in children less than five years of age from a rural area Method: cross-sectional parent’s survey of 79 children aged 2-60 months by interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. This study was conducted in Calamarca, a rural community in La Paz Bolivia, during July-September 2006. Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize the demographic data and the data regarding the mothers’ knowledge of pneumonia and diarrhea and recognition of signs of the diseases. Results: the mean age among interviewed mothers was 28 y/o and their level of education was elementary in most cases (79.8%). Approximately one-half of them were able to recognize severe dehydration signs (58.2%) and disentery (59.5%) as warning signs in acute gastroenteritis. About 75% could prepare rehydration solutions but only 48.1% consider that infants who have acute gastroenteritis should mantain their usual feeding pattern. Warning signs identified by mothers in acute respiratory infections were rapid breathing (51.9%), grunting/ stridor (48.1%), and respiratory distress (chest retractions and nasal flaring) (39%). About 35% of mothers would seek for medical care because of these signs during the first 24 hours. Encouraging drinking plenty of fluids and treating nasal congestion were considered healthy behaviours in acute respiratory infections only for 55.7% of mothers. Conclusions: lack of recognition of illnesses’ severity by parents seems to be an important factor associated with higher infant mortality and morbidity. Educative programmes should include printed material.

Keywords : Rev Soc Bol Ped 2008; 47 (2): 72-76; health knowledge; attitudes; practice; respiratory tract infections; acute diarrhea.

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