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Risk factors for overall and persistent diarrhoea in infancy in Antalya, Turkey: a cohort study

N Etiler1, S Velipasaoglu, M Aktekin

  • 1Department of Public Health, Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Halk Sagligi Anabilim Dali, Derince, Kocaeli 41900, Turkey. etlier@kou.edu.tr

Public Health
|December 4, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Maternal education and socioeconomic factors significantly impact infant diarrhea incidence. Poor living conditions and infant health issues also increase risks for overall and persistent diarrhea in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality globally.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
  • Socioeconomic and environmental determinants play a significant role in infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate factors influencing the incidence of overall and persistent diarrhoea in infants.
  • To assess the association between maternal education, socioeconomic status, environmental factors, infant characteristics, and nutritional status with diarrhoea incidence.
  • To provide evidence for targeted public health interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 204 infants followed for one year in Antalya, Turkey.
  • Morbidity surveillance and anthropometric measurements conducted via bi-monthly home visits.
  • Statistical analyses including relative risks, confidence intervals, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Maternal education level was strongly associated with both overall and persistent diarrhoea risk.
  • Living in a slum, crowded housing, lack of a kitchen, and unhygienic toilets increased diarrhoea incidence.
  • Infant factors like preterm birth, low birth weight, delayed first breastfeeding, and malnutrition (underweight, stunting, wasting) were significant risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal education is a key protective factor against infant diarrhoea.
  • Improving socioeconomic conditions and environmental hygiene can reduce diarrhoea burden.
  • Early identification and management of infant health and nutritional issues are vital for preventing diarrhoea.

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