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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
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ISSN: 1606-0997 EISSN: 1606-0997
Vol. 34, No. 1, 2015, pp. 1-8
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Bioline Code: hn15051
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, Vol. 34, No. 1, 2015, pp. 1-8
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Reducing the burden of diarrhea among children under five years old: lessons learned from oral rehydration therapy corner program implementation in Northern Nigeria
Charyeva, Zulfiya; Cannon, Molly; Oguntunde, Olugbenga; Garba, Aminu Magashi; Sambisa, William; Bassi, Amos Paul; Ibrahim, Mohammed Auwal; Danladi, Saba’atu Elizabeth & Lawal, Nurudeen
Abstract
Background: In Nigeria, diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old.
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) corners were introduced to health facilities in Bauchi and Sokoto states to serve as
points of treatment for sick children and equip caregivers with necessary skills in case management of diarrhea and
diarrhea prevention.
Objectives: The operations research study examined the effect of facility-based ORT corners on caregivers’
knowledge and skills in management of simple and moderate diarrhea at home, as well as caregivers’ and service
providers’ perceived facilitators and barriers to utilization and delivering of ORT corner services. It also examined
whether ORT activities were conducted according to the established protocols.
Methods: This quantitative study relied on multiple sources of information to provide a complete picture of the
current status of ORT corner services, namely surveys with ORT corner providers (N = 21), health facility providers
(N = 23) and caregivers (N = 229), as well as a review of service statistics and health facility observations.
Frequency distribution and binary analysis were conducted.
Results: The study revealed that ORT corner users were more knowledgeable in diarrhea prevention and management
and demonstrated better skills for managing diarrhea at home than ORT corner non-users. However, the percentage of
knowledgeable ORT users is not optimal, and providers need to continue to work toward improving such knowledge.
ORT corner providers identified a lack of supplies as the major barrier for providing services. Furthermore, the study
revealed a lack of information, education and communication materials, supportive supervision, and protocols and
guidelines for delivering ORT corner services, as well as inadequate documentation of services provided at ORT corners.
Recommendations: Recommendations for ORT corners program planners and implementers include ensuring all ORT
corners have oral rehydration salt (ORS) packages and salt, sugar, and zinc tablets in stock, a secured commodity supply
chain to avoid stockouts, and adequate policies and procedures in place.
Keywords
Diarrhea; Oral rehydration therapy corners; ORT; Nigeria; Child health
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