AN APPLICATION OF AJZEN THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR TO PREDICT MOTHERS INTENTION TO USE ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY IN A RURAL AREA OF BENIN

The aim of this study was to identify the psychological factors influencing mothers' intentions to use oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for the treatment of children's diarrhea in rural areas in South Benin. The subjects were 128 illiterate and animist mothers, selected at random in the areas of Pahou and Avlekete. Mothers were interviewed at home, using a pre-tested instrument investigating predictors of motivation as defined in Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour. The variables measured were intentions, attitudes, subjective social norm, perceived behavioural control and socio-demographic indicators. The regression of intention on all variables yielded an adjusted R2 of 0.40 (P < 0.0001), with perceived consequences of using ORT, perceived barriers to its use, and the zone of habitation being the significant predictors. The results suggest that the promotion of the use of ORT for treatment of diarrhea, in these areas, should be facilitated if the mothers perception of the advantages of using ORT is reinforced and if they have easier access to the health care services offered by local village health workers.