Author:

• Kesia Diego Quintaes - Quintaes, K. D. - Ouro Preto, MG - Escola de Nutrição - Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (ENUT/UFOP) - <kesia@enut.ufop.br>

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Abstract:

Infant Diarrhea is a cause of morbidity and mortality in children and the oral rehydration therapy (TRO) is indicated. This study evaluates the composition of TRO prepared by Community Health Agents (ACS) whose works at Basic Health Units, characterizes their profile and knowledge about TRO. After the ACS answers specific questions, they are invited to prepare TRO using table spoon, measuring spoon and by “pinch and scoop”. Glucose and sodium level were quantified and compared with WHO recommendation’s. Statistics involves ANOVA, Tukey and odds ratio analysis. About 52 ACS participated, mainly females, 90.4% with high school complete. The adequacy of the TRO was 3.9; 9.8 and 28.9% for table spoon, measuring spoon and pinch and scoop, respectively. The TRO preparation by table spoon achieved 88.0% of samples meeting dangerous levels of sodium (≥ 101mmol/L). About 38.5% of the ACS had less than 2 years of experience, showing 4.8 times higher risk preparing TRO with high sodium. The ACS indicated TRO as a treatment for diarrhea, although the side effects of inadequate preparation were unknown. The composition of the TRO produced by the ACS was inadequate in all methods tested. The ACS presented lack of knowledge in TRO side effects with inadequate salt levels. It is recommended to train the ACS in TRO preparation.
Key words: infant Diarrhea, sodium, glucose, health education

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