Risk Factors and Case Management of Acute Diarrhoea in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, evidence is lacking about maternal care-taking and environmental risk factors that contribute to acute diarrhoea and the case management of diarrhoea. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors and to understand the management of acute diarrhoea. A pretested structured questionnaire was used for interviewing mothers of 440 children in a prospective, matched, case-control study at the University of Gondar Referral and Teaching Hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia. Results of multivariate analysis demonstrated that children who were breastfed and not completely weaned and mothers who were farmers were protective factors; risk factors for diarrhoea included sharing drinking-water and introducing supplemental foods. Children presented with acute diarrhoea for 3.9 days with 4.3 stools per day. Mothers usually did not increase breastmilk and other fluids during diarrhoea episodes and generally did not take children with diarrhoea to traditional healers. Incorporating messages about the prevention and treatment of acute diarrhoea into child-health interventions will help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.

Diarrhea and associated factors among under five children in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from demographic and health surveys of 34 sub-Saharan countries

“…Inadequate quantities and quality of drinking water and lack of sanitation facilities cause the death of millions of the world’s poorest people through diarrheal diseases each year [ 9 , 10 ]. Furthermore, studies revealed that age of child [ 11 – 15 ], maternal education [ 11 , 12 , 16 ], lack of awareness of mothers/caregivers [ 17 , 18 ], lower socio-economic status [ 12 ], distance and source of drinking water [ 11 , 19 , 20 ], latrine and hand washing facilities [ 21 , 22 ], breast feeding [ 21 , 23 ], place of residence [ 14 , 22 , 24 ], disposal of children’s stool [ 24 – 26 ], family size [ 17 , 27 ], number of under-five children in the household [ 13 , 18 ], maternal age [ 19 , 20 ] and maternal employment status [ 13 , 17 , 19 , 28 ] as the determinant factors of diarrhea among under-five children.…”

The Maternal Self‐efficacy Scale for Preventing Early Childhood Diarrhea: Validity and Reliability

“…Maternal awareness toward diarrhea prevention is a key factor to improve children's hygiene and nutrition, therefore reducing rates of early childhood diarrhea, especially when contaminated water prevails in the surrounding environment. Illiterate or poor schooling mothers, under low-income and crowded living hood, may have difficulties in avoiding exposure of their children to increasing risks of acquiring waterborne enteric pathogens, especially when a contaminated environment coexists with poor hygiene and sanitation at the household (Mediratta, Feleke, Moulton, Yifru, & Sack, 2010).…”

Risk factors for childhood illness and death in rural Uttar Pradesh, India: perspectives from the community, community health workers and facility staff

“…For severe diarrhoea, specifically, high number of stools, not being breastfed, young age and developing diarrhea in the rainy season are risk factors for prolonged diarrhea [14]. A similar study noted that shared drinking water sources and early introduction of supplemental foods were significant risk factors for childhood diarrhoea [15]. Key individuals and groups must identify vulnerabilities and risk factors for illness and death in young children so that appropriate care can be provided at the right time.…”

“…For severe diarrhoea, specifically, high number of stools, not being breastfed, young age and developing diarrhea in the rainy season are risk factors for prolonged diarrhea [ 14 ]. A similar study noted that shared drinking water sources and early introduction of supplemental foods were significant risk factors for childhood diarrhoea [ 15 ].…”