Factors associated with inappropriate management of acute diarrhea among caregivers of children under 5 years in Kinawataka Slum Settlement, Kampala District

Abstract

Diarrhoea is among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under-five years. In Uganda, it presents a great public health concern as many areas have recorded a high prevalence like Pader, Adjumani and even higher prevalence in slums like Entebbe. Appropriate management has been proved as a powerful strategy in reducing mortality and morbidity due to diarrhoea among children under-five years. This study aimed at assessing inappropriate management of acute diarrhoea and associated factors among children under-five years in Kinawataka slum settlement. The study was cross-sectional in nature and a sample size of 286 households were considered. Sampling was systematic random and data was collected using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS 19. A total of 286 respondents participated in the study. Majority were aged between 25-34 years 146 (51.0%) and were married 186 (65%). Appropriate diarrhoea management was practiced by only 47.2% respondents. Only 18.5% used ORS, 15.5% used zinc and 8.4% used ORT to manage their diarrhoea children. On multivariate analysis, appropriate diarrhoea management was significantly associated with respondents whose children were younger than 36 months (AOR= 3.963, P-Value 0.008), participants who had knowledge of diarrhoea management (AOR=1.098, P-Value 0.001), participants who had ever had a training on diarrhoea management (AOR=4.086, P-Value 0.017) and participants who had easy access to antibiotics and antidiarrhoeal drugs (AOR=2.538, P-Value 0.022). Diarrhoea management was appropriate in less than half (47.2%) of the respondents and was significantly associated with respondents whose children were younger than 36 months, knowledge of diarrhoea management, training on diarrhoea management and access to antibiotics and antidiarrhoeal drugs. Health education and awareness programs for mothers and caregivers on diarrhoea control, proper use of ORS, home-based fluid preparation, and diarrhoea prevention are critical in all semi-urban/slums in Uganda. There is need to develop and implement interactive communication strategies for the health workers and mothers to facilitate positive change in the household practice on management of diarrhoea among under-fives.