Association between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge of acute diarrheal diseases among mothers of children under five years of age in Atzalan, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association between the sociodemographic characteristics of mothers and their level of knowledge about Acute Diarrheal Diseases (ADD) in children under five years of age in a rural community in Atzalan, Veracruz. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive correlational study was conducted between January and February 2025. Two hundred and twenty-nine mothers of children under five years of age participated, selected through consecutive sampling. A sociodemographic questionnaire and a validated 22-question instrument on ADD knowledge were administered, with scores ranging from 22 to 88 points, classified into low, medium, and high levels. The analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared test, and ANOVA using SPSS version 27. Results: Housewives predominated (87.8 %), as did mothers with upper secondary education (37.1 %). Statistically significant associations were found between knowledge level and education, number of dependents, type of flooring, and number of bedrooms (p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed with occupation, maternal age, number of children under five, type of roofing, availability of basic services, or perception of nutrition. Conclusion: Knowledge about acute diarrheal diseases was associated with certain sociodemographic characteristics and housing conditions. The deficiencies identified in prevention highlight the need to strengthen educational strategies aimed at mothers in rural contexts to promote prevention.