Fluid intake and feeding practices during diarrhoea in Odukpani, Nigeria.

This study was designed to determine the fluid intake and feeding practices among under five year old children during episodes of diarrhoea. Fluid intake was low. The average amount of salt-sugar solution (SSS) and WHO/UNICEF recommended oral rehydration solution (ORS) formula drank within the preceding 24 hours of diarhoea was 368 mls and 274 mls respectively. Only 54.0% and 43.3% of children received same or more food and fluid respectively as compared with before the diarrhoea. Less than half of the children continued breastfeeding. Targeted health education, with emphasis on these findings, are recommended for improving fluid and food intake in the home management of diarrhoea.