Knowledge and practices on diarrheal illness and associated factors in Lebanon

This study focuses on diarrheal disease in Leba4non, where it remains a significant contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. Understanding the population's knowledge and practices regarding diarrhea is crucial for designing effective public health interventions. This study assessed knowledge and practices regarding diarrheal illness in Lebanon, aiming to identify gaps and guide future interventions.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to October 2024 using snowball sampling among 455 Lebanese residents aged 18 years and above. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire, adapted from validated tools, translated into Arabic, and pilot-tested. The survey covered sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and practices related to diarrhea. Cronbach's alpha values for knowledge and practice scales were 0.91 and 0.66, respectively.

Participants had a mean age of 35.3 years, and 56.5% were female. Most (71.9%) had never received information about diarrheal illness. Higher knowledge was observed among medical professionals and university graduates, while lower knowledge was associated with overcrowded households and having more children under five. Better practices were observed among women and those who were previously informed about diarrhea.

The findings of this study revealed that while some participants demonstrated awareness regarding diarrheal illness, with over two-third reporting having no prior information about the disease. These results highlight important knowledge gaps within the Lebanese population that warrant attention. To address these gaps, targeted health education initiatives focusing on diarrhea prevention, management, and care-seeking behaviors are recommended to enhance public awareness and promote better health practices.