The
oral rehydration therapy is the keystone of National Diarrhoeal Disease Control Programme. The packets of
oral rehydration salts (
ORS) are available at the Primary health centres as well as in chemist shops. There are depot holders of
ORS packets in the community too. Most of the times the health care workers do not emphasise the role, benefits and method of preparation of
ORS. As a result of this mothers do not know the right method of preparation of
ORS and do not understand the need to give
ORS to the child. To study awareness about
ORS, depot holders of
ORS and importance of
ORS. To study knowledge about preparation of
ORS solution. Mothers whose children were in the age group of 0-5 years were interviewed. One hundred forty five (89%) of mothers were aware about
ORS. Only 39.31% of mothers knew that
ORS replenishes the water lost during diarrhoea. 31.72% mothers felt that
ORS stops loose motions. In spite of having correct knowledge of preparation many of them followed wrong practice of preparation. Demonstration of correct preparation of
ORS solution should be inbuilt in the health education package of the
Oral Rehydration Therapy for Diarrhoeal diseases. Health care providers must emphasise about the role of
ORS in prevention of
dehydration so that mothers give
ORS to the child.