Aknowledge of WHO guidelines for acute gastroenteritis for pediatricians

History and Considering the concern for ways of application of WHO guidelines and the problems as a result of not executing these items and for determination of tendency of pediatricians for applying the suggested protocols for acute gastroenteritis, this study was carried out on pediatricians who participated in a yearly congress in 1999. The descriptive and cross-sectional strategy of this study was randomly performed on 95 pediatricians who had graduated more than 10 years. In this regard, a 19-item questionnaire was prepared containing questions on personal characteristics, knowledge, information on gastroenteritis, use of ORS and feeding pattern for acute gastroenteritis and their answers were analyzed according to WHO guidelines. Out of 95 selected cases, 87 ones answered all of the questions and their age was 44±17 years and a working record of 17±6. In addition, 73% of them had enough information, but only 60% of them applied WHO guidelines. Meanwhile, 69% of them had enough information regarding use of ORS and 83% had an appropriate tendency for using ORS. Theoretically, 31% of these specialists and practically, 37% of them showed controversial views regarding the continuous use of foodstuffs during the period of acute diarrhea as recommended by WHO. Application of WHO guidelines have not been executed for continuation of feeding during the acute phase of gastroenteritis. Therefore, it is recommended to explore the causative factors and to perform the necessary procedures for quality upgrading.