Advising caregivers

Abstract

Diarrhoeal disease of infancy will be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world until the scourges of poverty, unhygienic overcrowding and lack of sufficient safe water have been overcome. Caretakers can learn to lessen the risks inherent in an unhealthy environment, and in the case of acute diarrhoea, the most important skill is the application of appropriate oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and early adequate feeding. An article in the current issue of SAJCH reports on a study of caregiver knowledge and practices around the use of ORT and report a gratifying improvement in its application in their patients compared with a previous study in the same area. The editor goes on to list some other articles in this issue, including a contribution on the relationship between adolescent eating behaviour and obesity.