Acute respiratory infections in children: a study of knowledge and practices of mothers in rural Haryana

Abstract

In the present study, data were collected on knowledge and practices of mothers in two villages of Block Beri of district Rohtak for devising a standard management plan. In all 304 mothers were interviewed. About 23 per cent mothers recognised pneumonia by fast breathing and 11.2 per cent recognised severe pneumonia by chest indrawing. Only 1.3 per cent mothers knew infective origin of ARI. Although most of them were convinced about continuation of breast feeding, 70 per cent of them were advising food restriction. Use of herbal tea in ARI was widely prevalent and so was the practice of putting warm mustard oil in ear for curing ear pain. Primary Health Centre was the most frequented place for treatment of ARI and mother-in-law was the most important person in taking management decisions for the child.

PIP: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) are very common in India, with 30-60 million episodes of pneumonia and severe pneumonia occurring annually in under fives. They are important causes of child morbidity and mortality, accounting in India for 14.3% of infant mortality and 15.9% of mortality among 1-5 year olds. The majority of these deaths could, however, be prevented if mothers knew the signs and symptoms associated with infections so that timely referrals could be made. Mothers also need to provide supportive care to these children during illness. Data were collected on the knowledge and practices of mothers in two villages of Block Beri of district Rohtak for devising a standard management plan. 304 mothers were interviewed. 23% recognized pneumonia by fast breathing, 11.2% recognized severe pneumonia by chest indrawing, and 1.3% knew the infective origin of ARI. Most were convinced about the continuation of breast feeding, but 70% advised restricting food. The use of herbal tea in ARI was widely prevalent along with the practice of putting warm mustard oil in the ear for curing ear pain. The primary health center was the most frequented place for treating ARI and the mother-in-law was the most important person in making management decisions for the child.