Childhood Diarrhoea Management Practices Among Caregivers Attending General Hospital Paediatric Clinics in Sokoto State

Diarrhoeal diseases remain among the top causes of under-five mortality in Nigeria, and appropriate home management practices are critical to preventing dehydration-related deaths, particularly in North West states with high disease burden. This study assesses childhood diarrhoea management practices among caregivers attending paediatric clinics in three general hospitals in Sokoto State. A cross-sectional survey design is applied to 300 caregivers of children under five years presenting with diarrhoea or post-diarrhoea follow-up, selected through consecutive sampling. Structured questionnaires assess knowledge of oral rehydration therapy preparation, continued feeding during illness, zinc supplementation use, recognition of danger signs requiring immediate referral, and care-seeking timelines. A skills assessment component evaluates correct oral rehydration therapy preparation by a sub-sample of 60 caregivers. SPSS is used for analysis, with logistic regression identifying predictors of appropriate management. Available literature from Sokoto State indicates that fewer than 35 percent of caregivers prepare oral rehydration solution correctly at home, with premature cessation of feeding during diarrhoea being a widespread harmful practice. The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness framework provides the normative clinical and community management standard. Findings will guide Sokoto State's healthcare facilities on strengthening discharge counselling and community health worker diarrhoea management training programmes. Keywords: diarrhoea management, oral rehydration therapy, caregivers, under-five children, Sokoto State.