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Risk factors for hospitalization in children with acute diarrhea: a case control study

S Songül Yalçin1, Samil Hizli, Kadriye Yurdakök

  • 1Social Pediatrics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|December 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Key risk factors for acute diarrhea hospitalization in young children include dehydration, high purging rates, and lack of breastfeeding. Early medical attention and continued breastfeeding are crucial for preventing severe illness in infants and toddlers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute diarrhea is a leading cause of childhood illness and hospitalization globally.
  • Identifying risk factors for hospitalization is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify significant risk factors associated with hospitalization in children aged 0-24 months presenting with acute diarrhea.
  • To inform clinical practice and public health interventions aimed at reducing pediatric diarrhea-related hospital admissions.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a Diarrheal Diseases Training and Treatment Center.
  • Hospitalized children (cases) were compared with non-hospitalized children (controls) admitted consecutively.
  • Data on clinical history and physical examination were collected and analyzed using univariate and multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Univariate analysis indicated higher rates of purging, vomiting, malnutrition, dehydration, fever, and lack of breastfeeding in hospitalized children.
  • Multiple logistic regression identified high purging rate (more than 8/day), presence of dehydration, and absence of breastfeeding as statistically significant risk factors for hospitalization.
  • Age, sex, height, blood in stool, and duration of diarrhea did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusions:

  • High purging rate, dehydration, and absence of breastfeeding are critical indicators for potential hospitalization in young children with acute diarrhea.
  • Mothers should be advised to seek prompt medical care for children exhibiting these symptoms and to maintain breastfeeding up to 24 months.
  • Further multi-center studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore other potential risk factors.

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