Analysis of the severity of symptoms of acute diarrhoea caused by rotaviruses in children and the level of parental knowledge about the prevention of this condition

Abstract

Introduction. Gastrointestinal infections in young children in the form of acute diarrhoea of viral aetiology constitute a serious epidemiological and therapeutic problem.

Aim. The aim of the study is to determine the severity of symptoms of acute rotavirus diarrhoea in children and to evaluate the level of parental knowledge about the factors predisposing to this condition and the preventive measures.

Material and methods. A group of 100 individuals aged 18 to 40, parents of children under the age of 4 who were hospitalised due to acute diarrhoea, was surveyed. The questions concerned determining the severity of symptoms of acute diarrhoea in children of rotavirus aetiology and assess the level of parental knowledge about the factors predisposing to this condition and preventive measures. The study utilised the diagnostic survey method with a self-designed questionnaire, as well as a standardised questionnaire for assessing the child's condition on admission and the CDS scale.

Results. The analysis of the results showed that parental knowledge about the course, management, and prevention of infectious diarrhoea in children is low. Parents tend to avoid seeking information from nurses and physicians, instead relying on media and Internet sources, which they consider as credible. The study identified sociodemographic factors that influence parental knowledge.

Conclusions. Age, education, and place of residence significantly influence parental knowledge about the course, management, and prevention of infectious diarrhea in children. It was found that the gender of the parents does not have a significant impact on the level of knowledge regarding the disease in question.