Abstract

Objectives: Describe the current practice of caring children under 5 years old with acute respiratory infections of mothers whose children visited Son La General Hospital in 2019 and some related factors.

Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional description with analysis on 200 mothers with children from 2 months to under 5 years of age with acute respiratory infections who visited Son La General Hospital from October to October. December 2019.

Results: Of 179 mothers whose children had cough, 62.6% chose western medicine to relieve cough, 26.8% of mothers chose oriental medicine to relieve cough, 25.7% of mothers gave antibiotics; Among 167 mothers whose child had a fever, 79.6% of mothers gave fever-reducing drugs, 79.0% of mothers let their children wear loose clothing and warmed them, 38.3% of mothers gave their children extra water; Out of 100 mothers who had children with runny noses, 66.3% of mothers sucked their children’s noses, 52.5% of mothers absorbed and wiped nasal secretions for children. In this episode of children’s illness, the percentage of mothers who gave their children more food and drink was 63.0% and 39.5%. There are 81.5% of mothers wiping and bathing their children with warm water daily, 78.0% of mothers keeping their children warm. Overall assessment, only 43.5% of mothers correctly handle when their child has an acute respiratory infection. Education level, occupation, and access to disease-related information of mothers.

Conclusion: The percentage of mothers who practice correctly is still low. It is necessary to pay attention to the relevant factors when educating mothers to care for sick children.