Childhood Diarrhoea in a District in Northeast Thailand: Incidence and Treatment Choices

Abstract

Diarrhoeal disease is a major public health problem in Thailand. We collected information on childhood diarrhoea from a district in northeast Thailand, using various approaches which focus on both consumers and providers. The overall incidence of diarrhoea in the study area was 2.1 episodes per child per 12 months, with children under two years of age having a higher rate at 3.0 episodes per child per 12 months. Many episodes were not recognized as diarrhoeal episodes by caregivers, and treatment was sought in just over half of all episodes. Although children received an average of 2.4 items of medicine per episode, there was relatively low use of oral rehydration solutions. This study highlights the importance of assessing local beliefs when collecting data on diarrhoeal diseases in children, and the importance of continuing efforts to improve public health education on the management of diarrhoeal diseases.