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Prevalence of gastroenteritis among 4-year-old children in South Australia

J S Heyworth1, P Baghurst, K A McCaul

  • 1School of Population Health, University of Western Australia, 35, Stirling Highway, Crawley 6009, Western Australia.

Epidemiology and Infection
|June 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Gastroenteritis affects 14.2% of 4-year-olds in South Australia, with key risk factors including household and external contact with illness. This common childhood illness places a significant community burden.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Epidemiology
  • Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

  • Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
  • Understanding its prevalence and risk factors in young children is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of gastroenteritis among 4-year-old children in South Australia.
  • To identify key risk factors associated with childhood gastroenteritis.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 9543 South Australian children aged 4 years.
  • Parents completed questionnaires regarding gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms in the preceding two weeks, alongside risk factor data.

Main Results:

  • The 2-week prevalence of gastroenteritis was 14.2% in 4-year-old children.
  • Significant risk factors included household and external contact with gastroenteritis, antibiotic use, and sore throat.
  • Medical attention was sought for 20% of affected children.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroenteritis represents a substantial cause of morbidity and community burden in young children.
  • A notable proportion of reported gastrointestinal symptoms may stem from respiratory infections.

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