FREQUENCY OF DIARRHEA IN INFANTS UNDER 6 MONTHS IN PAEDS WARD OF BAHAWAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL, BAHAWALPUR

Diarrhea is an increase in frequency of bowl movements or decrease in the form of stool (greater looseness of stool). In spite of changes in the frequency of bowl movements and looseness of stools can vary independently freely of each other. Objective: To find out the frequency of diarrhea in infants less than 6 months of age. Cross-sectional study (Descriptive Study) Methods: A hospital based descriptive study was conducted from 1st January to 1st March 2018 in Paeds ward of BVH Bahawalpur. Source of population was 100 children under six months of age. Data analysis was made manually and frequency of diarrhea was calculated. Results: The frequency of diarrhea was more in infants of 0-2 months. The frequency was low in infants who were on exclusive breast fed. The diarrheal frequency was high in infants of rural areas. Female were showing resistance to diarrhea as compared to male. Hand washing before weaning breast fed and clean water supply must be there to reduce its occurrence Conclusion: Breast feeding must be promoted to prevent diarrhea. Keywords: Diarrhea, Exclusive breast feeding, Infant