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Evaluation of the awareness and utilization of oral rehydration salt and zinc in managing diarrhoea among under-five children in Oyo State, Nigeria.


 Introduction: Despite the recommendation that a child having the symptoms of diarrhoea must be given Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and Paediatric Zinc Sulphate Dispersible Tablets (Zinc) within 24 hours of such notice, Nigeria ranks as one of the highest countries with the negative consequences of diarrhoea in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study seeks to evaluate the awareness and utilization of ORS and zinc in managing diarrhoea among under-five children (U5C) in Oyo State, Nigeria.Methods: Data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey (n=1154) as well as focus group discussions (FGD) among mothers/caregivers of U5C and key informant interviews in Oyo State. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The primary outcomes were awareness and utilization of ORS and zinc for managing a recent episode of diarrhoea. The level of significance was set at 5%. Data were analyzed with STATA 16.0 and Nvivo software.Results: Nine of every ten caregivers were aware of the use of ORS/Zinc for managing diarrhoea cases. Prevalence of ever-use of ORS/Zinc for managing diarrhoea cases was 5.4% while the prevalence of having diarrhoea recently was 6.2%(71/1154). Of the 71 mothers whose U5C recently had diarrhoea, 41(57.7%) used ORS/zinc to manage a recent episode of diarrhoea. Adjusted odds of using ORS/Zinc to manage diarrhoea was 2.64 (aOR = 2.64; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.18–10.27) times higher among children who are the first births (first-order) than those with fourth or higher birth order. The adjusted odds of using ORS/Zinc to manage diarrhoea was 9 times (aOR= 9.15; 95% CI: 1.99–34.47) higher among mothers aged 20 to 24 years and 3.82 times (aOR= 3.82; 95% CI: 1.02–14.27) higher among mothers aged 25 to 29 years than those aged 30 to 39 years. Having problems accessing healthcare services was also significant. Some of the FGD participants claimed they have used ORS/zinc before.Conclusion: Despite the high level of awareness of the use of ORS and Zinc in managing diarrhoea, ever-utilization is low but recent use by three-fifths of the caregivers is fair. Maternal age, children birth order and proximity to healthcare facilities are the key influencers. There is a need for Oyo State Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to promote the use of ORS and Zinc in managing diarrhoea.