Evaluation of mothers’ practice in the treatment of children diarrhea and measurement of the osmolality and PH of some oral rehydration solutions and carbonated beverages

Abstract EN

The aims of this study were to evaluate the mothers’ practice in case of children diarrhea and measure osmolality and PH of some oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and carbonated beverages.

The study consisted of two parts; the first part was a face to face questionnaire that was conducted at a group of community pharmacies between July and November 2013.

In the second part, Vapor Pressure Osmometer (VAPRO) was used for osmolality determination, while 3520 pH meter was used for the pH determination of some ORS and carbonated beverages.

A total of 200 mothers were surveyed in the study.

Among them, 85.0% told that they keep breastfeeding during diarrhea.

During diarrhea, around half of the mothers (102; 51.0%) told that they give their children potato and (129; 64.5%) told that they avoid sweets, 42.5% told that they use ORS and 47.5% told that they use carbonated beverages.

The osmolality of all carbonated beverages tested (except for diet coca cola) and two ORS was higher than the level recommended by the World Health Organization for rehydration solutions (210-268 mOsm/L).

A wide range of variability in PH was found.

The values ranged from 3.98 to 8.86.

It can be concluded that mothers’ practice in case of diarrhea is good in general; however, there is a room for improvement.

Continuation of breast feeding and the use of suitable ORS should be encouraged.

Use of carbonated beverages should be discouraged.