Socioeconomic factors associated with diarrheal diseases among under-five children of the nomadic population in northeast Ethiopia.

Zemichael Gizaw,Bikes Destaw Bitew,Wondwoson Woldu

doi:10.1186/s41182-016-0040-7

Zemichael Gizaw, Bikes Destaw Bitew + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-016-0040-7

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Journal: Tropical medicine and health	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2016
Citations: 56	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University of Gondar

Abstract

BackgroundDiarrheal disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children worldwide. Every day, more than 4000 children lose their lives due to diarrhea. In Ethiopia, diarrhea is the second killer of under-five children next to pneumonia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of under-five diarrhea and socioeconomic factors among the nomadic people in Hadaleala District. A total of 704 under-five children were included in this study, and subjects were recruited by the multistage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected by a pre-tested questionnaire. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify socioeconomic variables associated with childhood diarrhea.ResultsThe 2-week period prevalence of diarrhea among under-five children was 26.1% (95% CI 22.9, 29.3%). The highest prevalence (37.5%) of diarrhea occurred among children aged between 12.0 and 23.0 months. The occurrence of diarrheal disease was associated with the presence of two (AOR = 4.3, p < 0.001) and three (AOR = 22.4, p < 0.001) under-five children in each household. The age of the children ranged between 6.0 and 11.0 months (AOR = 4.8, p < 0.001), 12.0 and 23.0 months (AOR = 6.0, p < 0.001), and 24.0 and 35.0 months (AOR = 2.5, p < 0.05), illiterate mothers (AOR = 2.5, p < 0.05), and poor households (AOR = 1.6, p < 0.05).ConclusionsDiarrhea prevalence was quite high among under-five children in Hadaleala District, and it was significantly concentrated among children aged between 12.0 and 23.0 months. The number of under-five children, age of children, mothers’ education, and household economic status were significantly associated with childhood diarrhea. To minimize the magnitude of childhood diarrhea, implementing various prevention strategies such as health education, child care, personal hygiene, and household sanitation which can be integrated with the existing national health extension program are essential.

Highlights

Diarrheal disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children worldwide
Socioeconomic characteristics of respondents A total of 704 under-five children and their mothers participated in the study with a 100% response rate
This study investigated the prevalence of diarrheal disease and socioeconomic factors among under-five

Summary

Introduction

Diarrheal disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children worldwide. More than 4000 children lose their lives due to diarrhea. In 2010, 7.6 million under-five children died worldwide, nearly 21,000 under-five children every day. The highest rates of child mortality are seen in sub-Saharan Africa, where 1 in 8 children dies before age 5, more than 17 times the average for developed regions. 1.5 million deaths occur due to diarrheal disease [1]. Diarrheal disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age. More than 4000 children lose their life due to diarrhea [2]. The vast majority of these deaths are among children who live in low- and middle-income countries [3]

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