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Maternal Perceptions and Experiences with an Intervention to Increase Adherence to WHO‐Recommended Zinc (Zn) + Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) for Diarrhea Treatment in Western Guatemala
Author(s) -
García Meza Rosario,
Roche Marion,
Vossenaar Marieke,
Solomons Noel
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.584.19
Subject(s) - medicine , diarrhea , intervention (counseling) , family medicine , micronutrient , nursing , pathology
Background Diarrheal is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among Guatemalan children. As Zn+ORS in diarrhea therapy has potential to save lives and reduce illness in children, it is recommended by the WHO. In Guatemala, little is known about Zn+ORS adherence and the influencing factors among caregivers Objective To understand caregivers' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs that influence adherence to Zn+ORS for diarrhea treatment in children 蠄5y and how these were impacted by a Zn+ORS co‐packaging intervention Methods We report the qualitative findings from a larger community‐based randomized intervention trial, in which Zn+ORS was co‐packaged at the facility and provider counseling for diarrhea treatment was strengthened. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 40 caregivers of children <5y in 20 health posts in Western Guatemala Results Mothers perceived the co‐packaging of Zn+ORS as an added value and a motivation to adhere to treatment. Enablers to adherence included receiving respectful and treatment specific counseling in their mother tongue, treatment without‐cost, a good‐graphical explanation of dose and preparation, and home visits to follow‐up on child´s health improvement by health care representatives. Conclusion The co‐packaging of Zn+ORS and respectful counseling both increased the perceived value of regular diarrhea treatment. The intervention positively influenced mothers' adherence to the prescription and created demand for treatment Financed by Grand Challenges Canada & Micronutrient Initiative