Abstract:
Background: Diarrheal disease is still the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children under 5 years. WHO estimates that globally 525,000 children under five years die due to diarrheal diseases every year with 1.7 billion cases of diarrheal disease.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the caregiver knowledge on factors that contributing to diarrhoeal disease among children under 5 years at a selected public clinic, in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province.
Study setting: The study was conducted at a selected public clinic in the Vhembe district. The Vhembe District is located in the northern part of Limpopo Province, South Africa – boarded by Capricorn District in the South-West and Mopani in the East Vhembe. The district is comprised of four (4) sub-districts namely Collins Chabane, Makhado, Musina, and Thulamela
Methodology: A quantitative approach using cross-sectional descriptive survey design was conducted among 185 caregivers to be conveniently selected from five clinic in Thulamela B sub district. A convenience sampling method was used to sample 185 respondents and purposive sampling was used to sample five health care facilities. A self-administered closed –ended questionnaire was used to collect data in this study and validity of the instrument was ensured and the development of instrument was guided by a wide range of literature and inputs of experts. The instrument was test-retested for reliability and Validity was ensured through face and content validity. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version: 26.0 Descriptive statistics was used to analyse, and association was tested through cross tabulation chi-square and results was presented in the forms of tables and pie charts. Ethical measures were considered throughout the study.
Results: The study found that dirty water, poor hygiene, mix feeding (exclusive breast feeding and formula milk feeding) were the most contributory factors to diarrhoea in children under five years of age.
Recommendations: The recommendation were done based on the study results.
Conclusion: This study concluded that health education for mothers, in particular, should be used to improve knowledge and behaviour for managing diarrhoea at home in children under the age of five.
