Caregivers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Infant Diarrhoea in West Gonja Municipality, Savannah Region of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Infant diarrhoeal disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and preventable mortality in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural settings where water, sanitation, and hygiene challenges persist. Caregivers play a critical role in prevention and home management; however, gaps in knowledge, perceptions, and practices may contribute to adverse outcomes. Aim: This study assessed caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding infant diarrhoea and examined factors associated with these outcomes in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region, Ghana. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 caregivers of infants aged 0–11 months using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Composite scores were generated for knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, 61.8% of caregivers demonstrated good knowledge, 57.3% had positive attitudes, and 54.0% reported good preventive and management practices. Higher education predicted good knowledge, including junior high school (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.30–3.03) and senior high school or higher (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.56–4.36). Caregiver age 25–29 years (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.01–2.89), 30–34 years (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.07–3.12), and ≥35 years (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.17–3.55) were also associated with good knowledge. Positive attitudes were predicted by good knowledge (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.60–3.42), junior high education (AOR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.10–2.54), senior high education or higher (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.12–3.15), being married (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.02–2.57), and infant age 6–11 months (AOR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.05–1.98). Good practices were predicted by positive attitudes (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.42–3.05), good knowledge (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.21–2.62), senior high education or higher (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01–2.63), being married (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.05–2.78), and infant age 6–11 months (AOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15–2.29). Conclusion: Although awareness was moderate, misconceptions, inconsistent hygiene practices, and contextual barriers may limit optimal prevention and management. Strengthening caregiver education, reinforcing health messages through routine maternal and child health services, encouraging partner involvement, and improving access to safe water, sanitation, ORS, and zinc are essential to enhance effective diarrhoea prevention and management in rural communities.