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Determinants of diarrheal disease in children undergoing complementary feeding in a low-income urban setting in Kenya
Frida Adhiambo Okeyo1, Edna Nyang'echi1, Bernard Guyah1
1School of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya.
Insights
Diarrheal disease is prevalent in Kenyan children aged 6-24 months. Low caregiver income and poor household sanitation significantly increase children
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Diarrheal diseases pose a significant health challenge for children globally, particularly in low-income settings.
- Complementary feeding is a critical period where children are vulnerable to infections.
- Understanding local determinants is crucial for effective disease prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize factors influencing diarrheal disease occurrence in Kenyan children (6-24 months).
- To analyze the association between sociodemographic, feeding, and environmental factors and diarrhea prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 302 households in a low-income urban Kenyan community.
- Data collected on caregiver characteristics, child health, vaccination, feeding, and household water and sanitation.
- Logistic regression analysis used to determine significant predictors of 2-week diarrhea prevalence.
Main Results:
- A 2-week diarrhea prevalence of 34.1% was observed among children aged 6-24 months.
- Children from households with lower caregiver income (Ksh 20,000 or less) had higher odds of diarrhea (aOR=2.9).
- Inadequate household sanitation facilities were associated with increased diarrhea risk (aOR=1.9).
Conclusions:
- High burden of diarrhea in young Kenyan children linked to socioeconomic and environmental factors.
- Caregiver income and household sanitation are significant determinants of diarrheal disease.
- Integrated interventions focusing on education, income, hygiene, and nutrition are recommended.
Objectives:
This study aimed to identify and characterise the determinants influencing the occurrence of diarrheal diseases in children aged 6-24 months undergoing complementary feeding within a low-income urban community in Kenya.
Methods:
This study followed a cross-sectional design and recruited caregivers of children aged 6-24 months from 302 households. The dependent variable was the 2-week diarrhoea prevalence among children, with independent variables including sociodemographic characteristics, child immunisation and feeding status, and water and sanitation facilities. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between independent variables and the occurrence of diarrheal diseases.
Results:
The majority of caregivers were female (n = 282, 93.4%), aged 25-34 years (n = 156, 51.7%), had attained secondary school education (n = 154, 51%), were unemployed (n = 162, 53.6%), and earned Ksh 10,000 (USD 100) or less. 296 (98%) indexed children were fully vaccinated against rotavirus. Most households used improved drinking water sources (n = 272, 90.1%). Most caregivers did not regularly wash their hands with soap and water (n = 225, 74.5%). The 2-week diarrhoea prevalence among children was 34.1% (103/302), with 69.9% (72/103) of these cases seeking care at a healthcare facility. Logistic regression analysis revealed that children of caregivers earning Ksh 20,000 and below (aOR = 2.9[1.3-6.5], p = 0.01), and those from households using unimproved sanitation facilities (aOR = 1.9 [CI 1-3.4], p = 0.042), had significantly higher odds of having diarrhoea.
Conclusion:
The study found a high prevalence of diarrhoea in Kenyan children aged 6-24 months, with caregiver income and household sanitation facilities significantly impacting the occurrence of the disease. The study suggests integrated approaches, including education, income generation, hygiene, and improved nutrition, to address the burden of diarrheal disease.
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