Diarrhoea case management by general practitioners

ABSTRACT

In 1983 a national control of diarrhoeal diseases (CDD) program was established at the Bureau of Public Health in Suriname. The aims were reduction of diarrhoea morbidity and mortality. These aims can mainly be obtained by improved case management and the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS). In 1986 a survey among general practitioners showed that many were reluctant to use ORS without other medication. In 1991 a follow-up survey was done, mainly to evaluate the ORS use among physicians. Still, health education and the introduction of ORS proved to be effective. Using ORS in practice helped to improve its acceptance, so it is recommended to continue the CDD program, while involving more physicians and providing more education