Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of underfive diarrhea in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia is one of the highest in the country. This study attempted to examine the multiple factors associated with underfive diarrhea and how they might influence its prevalence in Jigjiga, Somali regional state, Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15 to 28, 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 492 mothers via household survey. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interview. Ethical clearance was obtained before data collection. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios.ResultsThe two weeks prevalence of under five diarrhea in Jigjiga town was 14.6%. Up on multivariable analysis, maternal educational level of primary school and above was found to be protective against childhood diarrhea [AOR: 0.227(0.100–0.517)] whereas, unavailability of water [AOR: 2.124(1.231–3.664)] and lack of hand washing facility [AOR: 1.846(1.013–3.362)] were associated with diarrhea.ConclusionPoor water supply, lack of hand washing facilities and lack of formal maternal education were associated with underfive diarrhea in the study area. Improved access to water supply along with environmental health intervention programs designed to promote good hygiene behavior could be of paramount importance to alleviate burden of childhood diarrhea.
Highlights
The prevalence of underfive diarrhea in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia is one of the highest in the country
This study identified socio-demographic and environmental factors associated with diarrhea among underfive children in the study area
As the studies were conducted in various parts of the country, important factors such as provision basic hygienic services which might strongly affect underfive diarrhea differ across settings
Summary
The prevalence of underfive diarrhea in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia is one of the highest in the country. Eventhough decline in diarrheal diseases is reported [4] Sub-sahran Africa, including Ethiopia, remains one of the highly affected regions [5,6,7,8]. According to Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data for under-5 mortality, Somali regional state reported 93 deaths per 1000 live births and two weeks prevalence of diarrhea was 19.5%, which is the third highest in the country next to Gambella and Benishangul regional states. Underfive child mortality in the country remains one of the highest in sub-sahran Africa [11, 12]
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