Knowledge and Attitude of General Physicians on Oral Rehydration Therapy in Mazandaran Province, Iran

Background and Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) is recommended in cases of mild to moderate dehydration for better treatment of acute diarrhea in children. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitudes of physicians working in health centers and emergency departments in Mazandaran province about ORT in children with acute diarrhea.
In a cross-sectional study, in 2014-2015, 258 physicians were randomly selected from Mazandaran province. Relevant information were collected including the method/s for evaluation of patients, management of complications, and adherence to national protocol and the protocol of World Health Organization (WHO).
In our study 27.6% of the participants had attended courses on ORT and their information about treatment of diarrhea was significantly higher than that of other doctors who did not pass similar courses (P= 0.009). More than 50% of physicians had appropriate information about ORT and administration of ORS, antibiotic therapy, and home treatment of dehydration. But more than 50% of physicians did not have enough information about the new protocol of ORT. The most common reasons for not using ORT was faster response to IV therapy and lack of acceptance of ORT by families.
In this study, only about one-third of the physicians attended courses on ORS, therefore, more attention and planning is needed for participation of physicians in this courses.