Abstract

This study was conducted in January 2013 to identify risk factors associated with diarrhea morbidity among children younger than 5 years in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, Ghana. A total of 378 households were drawn from four Atwima Nwabiagya District communities in the dry season using a systematic random sampling strategy. Quantitative data was collected from eligible households using interviewer-administered questionnaires and spot-checks. The relationships of socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors with childhood diarrhea were assessed via logistic regression. The mother’s age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–11.16] and educational level (aOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 1.85–12.28) and frequent playing on the bare ground with soil by the index child (aOR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.40–7.05) were significant risk factors of childhood diarrhea. Water storage outside of the dwelling was significantly associated with a lower risk of diarrhea (aOR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19–0.89). In the study communities, we recommend providing more education to mothers regarding environmentally-related disease transmission mechanisms, encouraging safe disposal of children’s stools, discouraging children from playing with soil on bare floors, and promoting safe drinking water storage.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call