<p>Mothers’ Handwashing Knowledge as a Predictor of Diarrheal Disease Among Under-Five Children Visiting Pediatric Ward in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019</p>

Abstract

BackgroundDiarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children in the world and often results from contaminated food and water. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of diarrheal disease among under-five children visiting the pediatric ward in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and its association with their mothers’ handwashing knowledge.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2019 among under-five children visiting the pediatric ward in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Chart review was undertaken using a data abstraction form. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. A binary logistic regression analysis was employed between dependent and independent variables to determine association. The statistical significance was declared at P<0.05.ResultsIn this study, the prevalence of diarrheal disease among under-five children visiting the pediatric ward in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was 30.09% (95% CI: (26%, 35%)). Age of mothers (AOR=3.72, 95% CI: (1.67, 8.28)), mothers’ educational status (AOR=0.44, 95% CI: (0.23, 0.80)), malnutrition (AOR=6.72, 95% CI: (3.44, 13.11)), and maternal knowledge of handwashing (AOR=0.49, 95% CI: (0.27, 0.90)) were factors associated with diarrheal disease among under-five children.ConclusionThe prevalence of diarrheal disease was higher in the current study, which is a major public health concern. Age of mothers, malnutrition, and mothers’ handwashing knowledge and educational status were significantly associated with diarrheal disease of under-five children. In order to reduce diarrheal disease and improve child health, attention should be given to improving mothers’ educational status and knowledge regarding handwashing.

Reduced Diarrhea Prevalence and Improvements in Handwashing with Soap and Stored Drinking Water Quality Associated with Diarrheal Disease Awareness Measured by Interactive Voice Response Messages in the CHoBI7 Mobile Health Program

“…Most recently, in the current RCT of the CHoBI7 mHealth program, 33 diarrhea awareness was a significant mediator of the association between program delivery and observed handwashing with soap and stored drinking water quality at the 12-month follow-up. Furthermore, our finding that awareness of diarrhea prevention was associated with a decrease in diarrhea is consistent with previous studies from Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia, [35][36][37] which showed an association between increased WASH awareness and lower prevalence of diarrheal disease. When responding to IVR messages, participants had to play an active role in demonstrating their knowledge, potentially reinforcing their understanding of diarrhea prevention and highlighting important actions to prevent diarrhea transmission for themselves and their household members.…”

Household Sanitation as a Diarrhea Driving Factor of Under-Five Children in Bojonegoro Regency

“…Water can be an environmental media for transmitting agents to enter the human body (waterborne disease) and cause infectious disease, both in sanitary water for hygiene purposes such as bathing and washing clothes or drinking water (16)(17). In addition, poor self-hygiene behaviour, such as not washing hands before eating and after defecating, can also be a risk factor for diarrhea (18)(19)(20).…”

Best practices, challenges and innovations in pediatrics in 2019

“…A good hand washing practice was found in 52% of mothers of under five children and the most significant associated factors were knowledge, attitude, and water availability. In another study conducted in Northwest Ethiopia [ 36 ]. Mothers had good handwashing knowledge in 66.05% of instances.…”