A Quantative Assessment of The Nigerian Mothers' Ability to Prepare Salt-Sugar Solution for the Home Management of Diarrhoea

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing qualitatively and quantitatively the ability of Nigerian mothers to prepare salt-sugar solutions (SSS) (according to the Nigerian standard formula) under the usual home environment. Mothers were provided with the ingredients but not with measurement spoons nor containers. 274 mothers randomly selected from a peri-urban community participated in the study. Of the 192 (70.1%) who claimed knowledge on SSS preparation, only 47 (24.5%) gave a correct description of its constitution and 103 (54.2%) were willing to prepare the solution. Of the 103 who prepared the solution, 34 (33.0%) used the correct number of teaspoons of salt and of sugar. The composition of the solutions prepared by the mothers varied greatly with sodium levels ranging from 0-760 mmols/l (mean 225.8 +/- 155.3, median 177.3) and glucose, 0-262.6 mmols/l (mean 68.7 +/- 54.4, median 52.0). Only 7 mothers (6.8%) prepared solutions with acceptable sodium and glucose levels. It is concluded that salt-sugar solutions prepared by Nigerian mothers are not safe. There is a great need to review the oral rehydration therapy (ORT) promotion strategies and messages in order to avoid the dangers associated with improperly constituted solutions.