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Summits - SBCC and C4D
After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Perceived causes and management of diarrhoea in young children by market women in Enugu State, Nigeria

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Ene-Obong, H.N., Iroegbu, C.U., & Uwaegbute, A.C. (2000). Perceived causes and management of diarrhoea in young children by market women in Enugu State, Nigeria. Journal of Health Population and Nutrition, 18(2), 97-102.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the perceptions of mothers regarding the causes and management of diarrhea of their children aged 0-24 months. In Enugu State, Nigeria, 80 market women whose children had diarrhea during last 6 months were interviewed fortnightly. When possible, the children were observed to determine the types of diarrhea and treatments given. 53 of the women brought their children to the market, and 27 left their children at home. 71% of the mothers perceived that diarrhea was caused by teething. The most common types of diarrhea occurring in these children were watery diarrhea (59%) and the so-called teething diarrhea (29%). Dysentery (6%) and jedi jedi or frothy and mucoid stools (4%) occurred less frequently. In 68% of the cases, drugs were used alone or in conjunction with salt-sugar solution (SSS) or other forms of treatment. These drugs were prescribed by medical personnel (40%), patent medicine dealers (23%), or mothers themselves (30%). About 26% and 39% of the mothers treated, respectively, watery and teething diarrheas with drugs only, while 23% used SSS alone. The drugs used were mainly antimicrobials (34%) and a combination of antimicrobial, antimalarial, antacid, analgesic, and some local herbal preparations (21%). The results of the study showed the evidence of unnecessary use of drugs and ignorance about their potential adverse effects. These underscore the need for appropriate primary care education among the market women in Nigeria. (author's)