Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in the Prevention and Management of Childhood Diarrhoea in a Semi-Urban Setting in Cameroon

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years in sub-Saharan Africa. Limited knowledge and inappropriate practices by caregivers contribute significantly to the persistence of diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of mothers regarding the prevention and management of diarrhoeal diseases in children under five years in Ndop Health District, Cameroon. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional mix study was conducted among 507 mothers of children under five years. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and thematic analysis were performed to assess KAP and their associations with sociodemographic factors. Results: mean age was 29.9 ± 8.6 years; most (64.7%) were aged 21–35 years, and 10.8% were adolescents (≤ 20 years). The majority (61.9%) had their first childbirth by 20 years. 45.2% primary education, and 86% earned < 45,000 CFA/month. only 20.1% had adequate overall knowledge, 32% had average knowledge, and 46.9% had inadequate knowledge. Significant associations were observed between mothers’ knowledge levels and education (χ² = 9.33, p = 0.009), residence (χ² = 11.04, p < 0.001), and income (χ² = 15.00, p < 0.001). Despite fairly good knowledge, poor practices persisted—61.7% practiced open stool disposal, 65.5% bought roadside food, and only 41.6% consistently washed hands with soap. About 32.3% used oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc during diarrhoea episodes, while 24.1% combined them with anti-diarrhoeal drugs, and 15.0% used traditional herbs. Care-seeking was mainly from public facilities (50.9%) due to proximity and affordability, though high treatment cost (61.7%) was a major barrier. Focus group discussions revealed persisting misconceptions (e.g., diarrhoea as a normal sign of teething), reliance on herbal remedies, and delayed health-seeking until severe symptoms occurred. Preventive practices such as handwashing, exclusive breastfeeding, and vaccination were inconsistently applied. While ORS was widely known, misuse and reliance on home remedies, traditional herbs, and inappropriate antibiotics were common. Overall, gaps between knowledge and practice persist, highlighting the need for targeted health education to correct misconceptions and promote timely, evidence-based diarrhoea management. Conclusion: There are substantial knowledge gaps and poor hygiene practices among mothers in Ndop Health District. Interventions should focus on health education, behavior change communication, and improving access to water, sanitation, and child health services, especially targeting rural and low-education mothers.