Occurrence and factors associated with childhood diarrhea in Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit district

Abstract

Background: Diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death among children under five. Globally, over 1.7 billion diarrheal cases among infants are recorded every year contributing to about 525,000 deaths in the world a majority occurring in Africa and South Asia. Uganda registers 16,573 deaths among infants with a prevalence of 20% due to diarrheal diseases. Nakapiripirit on the other hand has a prevalence of 24% which is higher than the national statistics. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and factors associated with childhood diarrhea so as to reduce the prevalence of diarrheal diseases in Namalu sub-county, Nakapiripirit district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study involving both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was conducted. 246 mothers with children under five at households were randomly selected using a multistage sampling technique, and the Health facility was purposively selected. DHO and VHT members were involved in the study. Data from Epi-collect 5 software was analysed using EPI INFO 7.2.2.6 software and the dependent variable was prevalence of diarrhoea. Association between factors was determined by chi-square with a p-value at 95% level of significance. The output was stated in crude odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals (CI) and P values. Results: Most respondents were females with an average age 27.15 (5.53). The prevalence was 43.90%. Most mothers sought private health facilities 54.63%. The factors associated with the prevalence of diarrhea were mothers’ age (20-24) years (P<0.0197), Households without latrines (P<0.0000), latrine distance of (25-29) meters (P<0.0213), and not separating the drinking-water container (P<0.0002). Low level of knowledge (P<0.0094) and poor attitude (P<0.0383) were among others. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of diarrhea is too high. Government and other stakeholders should increase on health education basing on CLTS-approach and family planning in households.