Correspondence of treatment of acute diarrhea to who recommendations in georgia.

The aim of this study was to analyze Georgian health care practitioners' knowledge on management of acute diarrhea and its adherence to WHO treatment guidelines. A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey was carried out in hospitals and out-patient clinics of Georgia. 350 anonymously filled questionnaires were analyzed (27% - hospitals, 73% - out-patient clinics). Majority (65%) of interviewees defined diarrhea correctly, 74% correctly named main signs of dehydrations and classified severity of dehydration, 26% mixed up signs of moderate and severe dehydration. About 90% uses ORS during diarrhea, but only 51% follow WHO recommendations about fast rehydration. The most of responding staff (78%) don't know the benefits of low osmolarity ORS. 42% pediatricians who work at the hospital use IV rehydration in case of moderate dehydration. 78% of medical staff named recommended IV fluids either Ringer lactate solution or Normal saline, but 22% still choose 5-10% Dextrose solution. Almost all doctors (94%) use probiotics, either as monotherapy (22%) or in combination (78%). 35% of physicians prescribe antiemetics, 27% antidiarrheals, 45% antimicrobial drugs, from those 65% uses antibiotics only in case of presence of blood in stool. The majority of medical staff don't use Zinc. Study revealed that most respondents advise continuation of breastfeeding, in case of bottle feeding 32% prescribe lactose free formula, while others continue normal diet. In elder children some restrictions in diet is still in practice. The study revealed that primary level health care representatives adhered to the WHO recommendations better, than hospital doctors, that was statistically significant. The findings show a moderate adherence to standard treatment guidelines of diarrhea. The recommendations on using ORS and continuation of breast-feeding are most followed. The most problematic issues are excessive use of antibiotics and IV fluids, no use of zinc, unnecessary use of antidiarheals and antiemetics. To improve case management of acute diarrhea, continuing professional development program targeting the practitioners is necessary.