Knowledge, Acceptance, and Utilization of Oral Rehydration Therapy by Mothers in The Management of Diarrhoea Among Under-Five Children at Baptist Comprehensive Health Centre, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is an effective and affordable intervention, yet appropriate utilization remains suboptimal. This study assessed maternal knowledge, stated acceptance/preference, and utilization of ORT among mothers managing diarrhoea in under-five children at Baptist Comprehensive Health Centre, Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 mothers attending the health centre. A structured questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of ORT (eight items), acceptance/preference, utilization, and influencing factors. A composite knowledge score (0–8) was calculated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Pearson/point-biserial correlation, and binary logistic regression; statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Most mothers (80.4%) knew what ORT is, 88.9% knew it could be prepared at home, and 72.3% knew that it prevents dehydration. The mean composite knowledge score was 5.8±1.4, with 19.8% demonstrating good knowledge. Knowledge was positively associated with ORT utilization (r=0.432, p<0.001). Overall, 71.3% had ever used ORT, 52.5% usually prepared it at home, and 44.1% obtained it from a health facility. Cultural/traditional beliefs discouraged use in 63.1% of mothers, while 45.3% reported difficulty with home preparation. In multivariable logistic regression, secondary/tertiary education (AOR=4.12, 95% CI: 2.34–7.25), knowledge score (AOR=1.52 per point, 95% CI: 1.28–1.81), cultural beliefs (AOR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.19–0.57), preparation difficulty (AOR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.27–0.75), and husband/family opinion (AOR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.31–0.87) were independent predictors of utilization. The novelty of this study lies in its simultaneous examination of maternal knowledge, stated acceptance/preference, actual utilization, and contextual barriers within a primary-care population in Osun State, while quantifying independent predictors of utilization. The findings highlight a persistent knowledge–practice gap and support culturally sensitive health education, practical preparation demonstrations, family involvement, and improved access to ORT.