Factors Influencing the Use of Zinc Supplementation in the Management of Childhood Diarrhoea among Health Providers in the Ningo-Prampram District.

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea still presents a substantial burden of disease to children in developing countries even though there are simple and cost-effective treatment options available. Based on available evidence through research the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommended the use of low osmolarity Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and zinc for the management of uncomplicated diarrhoea in 2004. Though the use of ORS is fairly widespread in developing countries, same cannot be said of zinc supplementation to date. The 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey confirmed that the use of zinc supplementation was still less than 10% in Ghana. Objective: This study assessed factors influencing the use of zinc supplementation for the management of childhood diarrhoea among health providers in the Ningo-Prampram district of the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Method: This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional approach. The study recruited health providers in the Ningo-Prampram district. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics, knowledge of zinc supplementation, attitude towards zinc supplementation, health facility related factors and practice of zinc supplementation. Statistical analysis was done to determine measures of association between independent variables and zinc supplementation. Results: Although all 162 (100%) of the health providers were aware of zinc supplementation only 74.7% (118/158) used zinc in the management of childhood diarrhoea. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, knowledge index score [aOR = 3.64(95% CI; 1.49-8.92), p-value = 0.005] and availability of zinc in the health facility [aOR = 5.07(95% CI; 1.54-16.69), p-value = 0.008] were shown to be significantly associated with the use of zinc supplementation, controlling for type of health facility, attitude and having other sources of zinc close to the health facility. Conclusion: Knowledge and availability of zinc in health facilities are the most significant factors associated with the use of zinc supplementation in childhood diarrhoea. Educating health professionals and making zinc available at health facilities will enhance zinc supplementation in childhood diarrhea.