BELIEFS AND TREATMENT RELATED TO DIARRHEAL EPISODES REPORTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH MEASLES

Abstract

Eighty mothers whose children had measles in the past month [in rural Bangladesh] were interviewed for beliefs and practices related to the management of measles and measles associated diarrhea. Beliefs and practices about diarrhea, associated with measles are described. Diarrhea during and after measles was considered beneficial by mothers, who believed it helped to flush out impurities from the body. Paradoxically ORS [oral rehydration solution] was not used because of an erroneous idea that ORS would stop diarrhea. Informing mothers that ORS will not stop diarrhea, but will help in flushing out the impurities, could enhance ORS use, reducing morbidity and mortality. The prevalent belief, that measles patients must be kept in a clean environment is useful and should be encouraged. Other beliefs and practices to hasten the eruption are neutral, but since they encourage cleanliness and isolation, need not be discouraged.