Feeding practices of mothers during childhood diarrhoea in a rural area of Nigeria

Abstract

Our main objective was the identification of different types of foods given or withheld for various kinds of childhood diarrhoea. The study was conducted in rural Yoruba communities of Osun State, Nigeria. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used and a total of 335 randomly selected mothers with children under 5 years of age were interviewed. The diets chosen by the mothers reflect cultural perceptions of the aetiology of illness and of the therapeutic properties of local foodstuffs. Raw corn starch is believed to be an anti-diarrhoeal agent and therefore given for all types of diarrhoea, while rice is avoided. Sugar, sweet foods and groundnut preparations, which are perceived as causes of bloody diarrhoea and related illnesses, are proscribed. Sixty per cent of mothers would reduce the intake of fluids for the most common types of diarrhoea. Their level of education does not make any significant difference. To ensure adequate home management of childhood diarrhoea, educational interventions must take into account prevailing beliefs in the community.