Diarrhoea is one of the commonest cause of morbidity among young children .Diarrhoeal infections are fifth leading cause of mortality worldwide.Global reports indicates that in 2008, despite the recommendations about the success of ORS, only 38% of children less than 5 year old received oral rehydration therapy (ORT) and continued food intake during diarrhoeal episodes.This study aimed to assess the knowledge ,attitude and practices of mothers of hospitalized children 6 month to 5 years of age towards acute diarrhoea and oral rehydration therapy  

In this prospective study mothers of children aged 6 month to 5 years having acute diarrhoea admitted in pediatric ward of tertiary care J K Lone hospital Kota from november 2013 to october 2014 were included. After taking written and informed consent ,the mothers were interviewed and accordingly history and brief clinical examination was done.

The number of patients decreased with increasing education status of mother. There were 42.9%mothers (illiterate) ,below graduate were 56.88% and graduate mothers were 0.8%in this study. In our study only a meagre of 17.9% mothers knew how to prepare oral rehydration solution. In our study a total of 52% mothers washed hands before food.  In our study 99 of 228 (43.4%) mothers knew that ongoing diarrhoea breeds malnutrition.

Promotional training about the ORS and nutrition and hygiene can prevent and manage diarrhoeal illness.

Keywords: oral rehydration solution, diarrhoea, malnutrition.