Abstract

GUTIERRREZ CAMACHO, Claudia et al. lntervención educativa para el manejo efectivo de diarrea en el hogar. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2004, vol.61, n.1, pp.19-28. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention in mother's knowledge on the management of diarrhea at home. Material and methods. An educational intervention was carried out in 150 mothers of children having acute diarrhea. Using a questionnaire designed for that purpose, the knowledge of mothers was evaluated previously and after the intervention; the estimation of knowledge application at home was also evaluated. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon and McNemar tests. Results. The median of the mother's score with correct knowledge about the effective management of diarrhea was 5 points before educational intervention and increased to 10 points after it (P <0.001). Thirst was the dehydration and alarm sign identified less frequently. The increase in the feeding frequency was the component which was less applied by mothers. Conclusions. It was evident that knowledge about diarrhea management at home applied by mothers improved after the educational intervention by health personnel.

Keywords : Diarrhea; capacitating; educational intervention.