Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Adoption and Use of Sugar-Salt-Solution by Mothers in Ibadan City, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

A cross-sectional evaluative survey was carried out in six geographical wards in the city of Ibadan, to investigate the level of adoption and use of home-made sugar-salt-solution (SSS) among mothers with under-five years old children. The results showed most mothers interviewed were aware of the existence of SSS, but became cognizant of it at different times during the last five years. There were some significant differences in women's knowledge pattern of SSS which affecting the adoption and use—only one-fifth of the respondents reported adopting the recipe for treatment of dehydration resulting from diarrhoea in their children. The study also identified factors affecting the adoption and use of SSS in Ibadan City. These included lack of adequate knowledge about SSS preparation and use, belief about its effectiveness, non-availability of materials for preparation, refusal by children, and problems with storage among others. The study recommends the need for standardization of activities in ORT units in the city and reinforcement of the inter-personal approach to ORT education.