Educational Video for Infant Diarrhea Prevention: Randomized Clinical Trial
Abstract
Introduction: Diarrhea is a major cause of illness in children under five years of age and, along with pneumonia, is a major cause of child mortality. Through behavioral influence on the occurrence of diarrhea, health education is an important facilitator for empowering individuals, families and communities, contributing to the promotion of health and, consequently, to reduce cases of childhood diarrhea. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the educational video "Infant Diarrhea: you are able to prevent" on mothers of children under five years of age, according to the aspects related to the care of children's health and the occurrence of infant diarrhea. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, conducted in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with 133 mothers of children under five years of age, with 70 allocated in the comparison group and 63 in the intervention group. Data collection took place from April to June 2013, in two moments: the first in the Unit of Primary Health Care and the second by telephone after two months. Results: The groups were similar in all sociodemographic aspects analyzed (p>0.196). Moreover, there was no statistically significant association between the occurrence of infant diarrhea and the characteristics related to the care of children's health. The chance for occurrence of diarrhea showed up higher in the comparison group (RC>1) with respect to four of the variables: exclusive breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, how they clean the bottle and if they boil / scald other utensils used in the child’s diet. Conclusion: The educational video was effective in promoting the adoption of healthy habits by the mothers and reducing chances of occurrence of infant diarrhea. It is essential that health professionals get to know the mentioned video and that this one guide the practice of these professionals in preventing infant diarrhea and empowering of mothers, so that they are able to also prevent the occurrence of this disease in their children.
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