Diaper use practices among mothers – an urban-rural comparison: a narrative review

Meena; Mamta Verma; Kumarasamy A. P.

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262439

Authors

Meena Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Mamta Verma Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Kumarasamy A. P. Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, AIIMS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262439

Keywords:

Diaper use, Urban–rural mothers, Mothers' knowledge, Infant hygiene, Diaper dermatitis

Abstract

Diaper usage is a crucial aspect of infant care, yet disparities in maternal knowledge and practices exist across different socio-geographic settings. This narrative review explored and synthesised existing literature on diaper use practices among mothers, focusing specifically on urban-rural differences. Electronic databases, including Google scholar and PubMed, were searched for relevant recent studies using keywords such as “diaper use practices,” “diaper dermatitis,” “infant hygiene,” “urban,” and “rural.” Studies focusing on maternal knowledge and practices were included and analysed thematically. The findings revealed consistent differences between the two demographics: urban mothers generally demonstrated greater awareness of hygiene, optimal diaper-changing frequency, and diaper dermatitis prevention. Conversely, rural mothers exhibited significant knowledge gaps, particularly regarding proper disposal methods and rash prevention. Socioeconomic status, maternal education level, and access to health information emerged as the primary influencing factors driving these disparities. In conclusion, significant urban-rural gaps in maternal diapering practices underscore a critical need for targeted health education interventions, particularly in rural communities. Integrating comprehensive diaper care and hygiene education into routine maternal and child health services could effectively bridge this gap, ultimately improving infant hygiene and health outcomes across diverse populations.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Safe and healthy diaper changing steps in home and childcare settings. Atlanta (GA): CDC, 2021. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/. Accessed on 04 April 2026.

Prithiba G, Priya K, Rekha R, Rebekahal R, Joseph VM. Assessment of knowledge of mothers regarding diaper rashes in infants in a selected rural community, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. Med Leg Update. 2020;20(2):58-60.

Negera A, Sento M, Tola G. Knowledge of mothers on diaper dermatitis management and associated factors in Ethiopia. Sci Rep. 2025;15:4322.

Atherton DJ. A review of the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis. Curr Med Res Opin. 2004;20(5):645-9.

Visscher MO. Recent advances in diaper dermatitis: etiology and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:1-7.

Stamatas GN, Tierney NK. Diaper dermatitis: etiology, manifestations, prevention, and management. Pediatr Dermatol. 2014;31(1):1-7.

Odio MR, Friedlander SF. Diaper dermatitis and advances in diaper technology. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2000;12(4):342-6.

Srinivasa S, Bhavya G, Patel S, Harish S, Anjum SK. Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers in infantile skin care. Int J Contemp Pediatr. 2018;5(2):536-41.

Shee K, Jagtap V. Effect of health teaching on knowledge and practice of postnatal mothers regarding diaper use in children. Int J Health Sci Res. 2019;9:95-101.

Arathi TV. Impact of awareness programme on knowledge regarding diaper care among antenatal mothers. Res Reservoir Paramed Sci. 2020;6(2):35-9.

Kim JS, Jeong YS, Jeong EJ. Knowledge of diaper dermatitis and diaper hygiene practices among mothers. Child Health Nurs Res. 2019;25(2):112-22.

Sadique Z, Begum NF, Sarker MFR, Bhuyian MNI, Kamruzzaman M. Mothers' knowledge about diaper rash and preventive measures in Bangladesh. DS (Child) H J. 2020;36(1):38-45.

Badawy GG, Fouad SH, Abozed HW, Hassanen EAE. Effect of topical breast milk versus barrier cream on healing of diaper dermatitis. Tanta Sci Nurs J. 2021;31(4):221-38.

Novitasari PD, Wanda D. Evidence-based nursing interventions for diaper dermatitis. Pediatr Med Chir. 2021;43:265.

Thomas J. Knowledge on use of diaper and its impact on child health among mothers of infants. Int J Nurs Care. 2024;12(1):7-15.

Oumeish OY. Diaper dermatitis: a clinical review. Clin Dermatol. 2010;28(3):243-8.

Anjali NS, Joshi R, Bhawe A, Takagi R, Toyoshima H, Fukuda Y. Comparative evaluation of diaper types in infants with diaper rash. Indian J Clin Exp Dermatol. 2021;7(4):353-9.

Srinivas SM, Dhar S. Advances in diaper technology. Indian J Paediatr Dermatol. 2016;17(2):83-6.

Gustin J, Gibb R, Maltbie D, Roe D, Siu SW. Impact of diaper design on diaper dermatitis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2018;35:792-5.

Wasiah A, Susila I, Nabila S. The relationship between diaper use and skin irritation incidence in toddlers aged 0–3 years at PMB Ani Mahmudah SST Lamongan. Embrio J Kebidanan. 2021;13(2):164-71.

Nell CM, Schenck CJ, Joubert JW, Chitaka TY, De Wit MP. Disposable diaper usage and disposal practices in rural areas. Environ Challenges. 2024;16:101001.

Lamola RS. Used diaper disposal practices by mothers serviced by Rosenkrantz Clinic in Ga-Matlala, Limpopo Province. Polokwane (ZA): University of Limpopo; 2023.

Lebsing S, Chaiyarit J, Techasatian L. Diaper rashes can indicate systemic conditions. BMC Dermatol. 2020;20:7.

Qiao XP, Ge YZ. Clinical effect of hydrocolloid dressings in diaper rash. Exp Ther Med. 2016;12:3665-9.

Blume-Peytavi U, Lavender T, Jenerowicz D, Ryumina I, Stalder JF, Torrelo A, et al. Recommendations from a European Roundtable Meeting on best practice diapering. Pediatr Dermatol. 2014;31(1):1-7.

Thaman LA, Eichenfield LF. Diapering habits: a global perspective. Pediatr Dermatol. 2014;31(1):15-8.

Inusah AW, Collins G, Kwarteng PG, Dzomeku P, Asumah MN, Ziblim S. Prevalence of diaper need and dermatitis among children aged 1–24 months. Open Health. 2023;4:20220033.

Porter S, Steefel L. Diaper need: a change for better health. Pediatr Nurs. 2015;41(3):141-4.

Roy S, Mollah MAH, Mannan MA, Khan ZJ, Amin AA, Ghosal S, et al. Hazards of wearing diaper among infants. J Bangladesh Coll Physicians Surg. 2017;35(4):170-3.

Kanchanamala MMA, Liyanage A. Behind the diaper: unveiling prevalence and associated factors of diaper rash among infants. Galle Med J. 2024;29(2):49-53.

Eke GK, Opara PI. Mothers' knowledge and home management of nappy rash in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Niger Health J. 2013;13(4):152-7.

Prasasti CI, Adriyani R, Sudarmaji, Muthmainnah, Budiastutik I, Siantoro AP, et al. Path analysis: child feces and diaper disposal management comparation study (urban and rural) in Surabaya and Sekadau Regency, Indonesia. Malays J Med Health Sci. 2025;21(7):92-100.

Ssembuusi A, Wafula ST, Musoke D, Kasasa S. Knowledge and practices for disposable diapers among caregivers in urban settlements. J Water Sanit Hyg Dev. 2024;14(8):670.

Berg RW. Etiology and pathophysiology of diaper dermatitis. Adv Dermatol. 1988;3:75-98.