Health Personnel Practice in The Prevention and Management of Diarrhoeal Diseases in Children, Ndop Health District, North West Region, Cameroon

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in low- and middle-income countries, including Cameroon. Appropriate management relies on healthcare providers’ adherence to evidence-based guidelines, particularly the use of oral rehydration solution (ORS), zinc supplementation, continued feeding, vaccination, and caregiver education. This study assessed healthcare providers’ practices in the prevention and management of childhood diarrhoeal diseases in Ndop Health District, North West Region, Cameroon. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 71 healthcare providers working in nine health areas of Ndop Health District. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire and an observational checklist to assess clinical practices and availability of essential commodities. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to determine practice levels and factors associated with good practice. Results: Overall, 74.6% of healthcare providers demonstrated good practice, while 25.4% had poor practice. Only 12.7% routinely assessed dehydration status, and consistent administration of ORS was reported by 33.8% of providers. Zinc supplementation was used in only 8.5% of cases, while antibiotics were frequently prescribed beyond guideline-based indications. Vaccination status was commonly assessed, with 85.9% and 97.2% reporting assessment of measles and rotavirus vaccination, respectively. Observational findings revealed intermittent stock-outs of ORS and zinc, limited availability of IMCI guidelines, and inconsistencies between self-reported practices and facility readiness. Conclusion: Although most healthcare providers demonstrated generally acceptable practice levels, substantial gaps persist in dehydration assessment, zinc use, rational antibiotic prescribing, and availability of essential supplies. Strengthening IMCI-based training, supportive supervision, and supply chain systems is critical to improving the quality of childhood diarrhoeal disease management and reducing preventable morbidity and mortality in Ndop Health District.