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
 270 "Evaluation of Mothers’ Practice in ……"
An - Najah Univ. J. Res. (N. Sc.) Vol. 30(2),  2016
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.

Title

An - Najah Univ. J. Res. (N. Sc.)

Publisher

An-Najah National University

Publisher Country

Palestine

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

30

Year

2016

Pages

269-282