Honey as a therapeutic agent for diarrhea treatment in children

Abstract

Diarrheal disease is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity among children worldwide, particularly in those under five years old. According to the World Health Organization, diarrhoea is a leading cause of death in this age group, with approximately 760,000 children dying each year due to dehydration. If not properly managed, diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration and death. In addition to pharmacotherapy, complementary therapies like honey administration have been explored for their potential benefits. At Soerojo Hospital Magelang, diarrhoea is a primary concern in the Tulip 2 Ward, particularly among infants and toddlers. A case study was conducted to implement nursing care for paediatric patients with diarrhoea who received complementary therapy through honey administration. The patient was diagnosed with acute diarrhoea, and an evaluation over three sessions revealed that the nursing diagnosis of diarrhoea related to intestinal malabsorption was successfully resolved. The patient's mother administered honey as a non-pharmacological therapy, which proved to be highly effective in managing diarrhoea due to its antibacterial properties against intestinal bacteria such as Shigella, Salmonella, E. coli, and Vibrio cholerae. The sweet taste of honey also made it more appealing to the child, making it an ideal supplement to conventional medication. Through this case study, the author aims to contribute knowledge on the innovative use of honey administration in managing diarrhoea in paediatric patients.

Keywords: Diarrhoea, honey, infection, intervention, paediatric care