BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Diarrheal disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age worldwide. Despite significant global progress in child survival, diarrhea continues to pose a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines diarrhea as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools within a 24-hour period, a condition that can rapidly lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, and death if not properly managed [1]. Children aged 0–5 years are especially vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, higher nutritional needs, and dependence on caregivers for health-related decisions.

Globally, diarrheal diseases account for approximately 525,000 deaths among children under five each year, making it the second leading cause of death in this age group after pneumonia [2]. Most of these deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where access to clean water, sanitation, and basic healthcare services remains limited. Importantly, many of these deaths are preventable through simple, low-cost interventions such as oral rehydration therapy (ORT), zinc supplementation, continued feeding, and prompt healthcare-seeking behavior [3]. However, the effective use of these interventions largely depends on caregivers’ knowledge and practices, particularly those of mothers who are the primary caregivers of young children.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, diarrheal diseases remain closely linked to poor environmental sanitation, unsafe drinking water, inadequate hygiene practices, and low maternal education levels. Studies have consistently shown that children whose mothers have limited knowledge of diarrhea causes, danger signs, and management strategies are at a significantly higher risk of severe illness and death [4]. This highlights the central role of maternal knowledge in child health outcomes. Mothers’ understanding of when diarrhea becomes dangerous, how to prepare and administer oral rehydration solution (ORS), and when to seek medical care is critical in preventing complications.

Cameroon, like many developing countries, continues to experience a high burden of diarrheal diseases among children under five. According to national health statistics, diarrhea is among the top five causes of outpatient consultations and hospital admissions for children in Cameroon [5]. The situation is more pronounced in semi-urban and rural communities, where health infrastructure may be inadequate and traditional beliefs often influence health practices. In such settings, mothers may rely on home remedies, herbal treatments, or inappropriate medications, which can worsen the child’s condition.

The South West Region of Cameroon, including Buea Municipality, presents unique public health challenges. While Buea is an urban center and hosts several health facilities, surrounding communities such as Great Soppo face issues related to overcrowding, inadequate water supply, poor waste management, and limited access to sustained health education. These factors increase children’s exposure to diarrheal pathogens and complicate disease prevention and management [6]. Additionally, ongoing socio-economic challenges have affected household incomes, making it difficult for families to access quality healthcare services.

Great Soppo is a densely populated community within Buea that comprises households of varying socio-economic backgrounds. Many mothers in this community are engaged in petty trading, farming, or informal employment, which may limit their time and access to health information. Although health facilities exist within Buea, delayed healthcare-seeking behavior remains common, often due to cost concerns, lack of awareness, or underestimation of the severity of diarrhea in young children. Understanding mothers’ knowledge in this specific community is therefore essential for designing effective, context-specific interventions.

Previous studies conducted in different parts of Cameroon have revealed gaps in mothers’ knowledge regarding the causes and management of diarrhea. While some mothers are aware of ORS, many lack correct knowledge on its preparation, appropriate dosage, and the importance of continued feeding during diarrheal episodes [7]. Others are unaware of zinc supplementation or danger signs such as persistent vomiting, blood in stool, lethargy, or signs of dehydration. These knowledge gaps contribute significantly to preventable child morbidity and mortality.

Assessing mothers’ knowledge on the management of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years in Great Soppo Community is therefore timely and necessary. Such an assessment will provide evidence-based insights into existing knowledge levels, misconceptions, and practices. The findings will be valuable to healthcare providers, public health planners, non-governmental organizations, and community health workers in strengthening child health education programs and reducing diarrhea-related complications and deaths in the community.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Despite the availability of simple and effective interventions for the management of childhood diarrhea, diarrheal disease continues to be a major cause of illness and death among children under five years in Cameroon. This situation suggests that factors beyond the availability of medical solutions are contributing to the persistent burden of the disease. One of the most critical factors is inadequate maternal knowledge regarding proper diarrhea management at the household level.

In Great Soppo Community, cases of childhood diarrhea are frequently reported in health facilities, yet many children are brought for medical care only after the condition has worsened. Anecdotal evidence from healthcare workers in Buea indicates that some mothers delay seeking care, administer incorrect home treatments, or fail to recognize signs of dehydration and severe illness. Such practices increase the risk of complications, prolonged illness, and even death.

Although oral rehydration therapy has been widely promoted for decades, incorrect preparation and misuse of ORS remain common problems. Some mothers dilute ORS incorrectly, discontinue feeding during diarrhea, or use antibiotics and traditional remedies without medical guidance. These practices not only reduce the effectiveness of treatment but may also cause additional harm to the child. The persistence of these practices raises concerns about the adequacy of mothers’ knowledge and understanding of recommended diarrhea management guidelines.

Furthermore, socio-economic constraints, low educational attainment, cultural beliefs, and limited exposure to health education programs may influence how mothers perceive and manage diarrhea in young children. In Great Soppo, there is limited documented evidence on mothers’ level of knowledge regarding diarrhea management, making it difficult for health authorities to design targeted interventions.

The absence of community-specific data on maternal knowledge represents a significant gap in child health planning. Without such data, efforts to reduce diarrhea-related morbidity and mortality may remain ineffective or poorly targeted. This study therefore seeks to address this gap by systematically assessing mothers’ knowledge on the management of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years in Great Soppo Community, Buea.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Main Research Question

What is the level of mothers’ knowledge on the management of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years in Great Soppo Community, Buea?

Specific Research Questions

1. What knowledge do mothers in Great Soppo Community have regarding the causes of diarrhea in children aged 0–5 years?

2. What is the level of mothers’ knowledge on the signs and symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration in young children?

3. What do mothers know about oral rehydration therapy and its correct use in managing childhood diarrhea?

4. What is mothers’ knowledge regarding feeding practices and zinc supplementation during diarrheal episodes?

5. What factors influence mothers’ knowledge and practices in the management of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years?

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

General Objective

To assess mothers’ knowledge on the management of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years in Great Soppo Community, Buea.

Specific Objectives

1. To assess mothers’ knowledge of the causes of diarrhea in children aged 0–5 years in Great Soppo Community.

2. To evaluate mothers’ knowledge of the signs and symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration in young children.

3. To determine mothers’ knowledge and understanding of oral rehydration therapy in the management of childhood diarrhea.

4. To assess mothers’ knowledge of appropriate feeding practices and zinc supplementation during diarrheal episodes.

5. To identify factors influencing mothers’ knowledge on the management of diarrhea among children aged 0–5 years in Great Soppo Community.