Diarrhoeal diseases amongst children under five. A study in rural Alwar.

A house to house survey was done in three villages of district Alwar covering 875 children under five years age. Two week incidence of diarrhoea morbidity was 2.27 episodes/child/year taking into consideration the seasonal correction factor. The incidence decreased with increase of age. Incidence was found significantly more in children of illiterate mother (p < 0.05). Children of poor socio-economic conditions as determined by occupational status (labourers) suffered significantly more often from diarrhoea as compared to children of higher socio-economic status (agriculturist and others). Fifty per cent episodes of diarrhoea were treated with antibiotics, and only one child was given ORS. It is a matter of concern. About 3.7 per cent mothers washed their hands before preparing meals while, 1.6 per cent washed their hands after toilet. Only 2 per cent mothers had the knowledge of preparing the home made salt sugar solution. An intensive health education campaign is therefore, necessary for health professionals as well as mothers.