RESUMO
A structured interview was applied through a personal interview to 142 peasant mothers aimed at exploring some beliefs about childhood diarrheal disease and the use of home-made beverages and feeding habits during the illness. The majority answered they used to give a herbal tea (90%) or a rice-based beverage (77%) to their child with diarrhea. Only 18% mentioned the use of oral rehydration packages. Sixty-three percent avoid certain foods while 25% withhold all food, usually for more than 24 hours, to a sick child. It is justified to assess the clinical efficacy of a rice-powder solution in the prevention of severe dehydration, as well as to promote an uninterrupted diet based on locally accepted and available foods, in the home management of a child with acute diarrhea.