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Published on: November 7, 2018
Basic epidemiological aspects of acute gastro-enteritis in a regional hospital in Kuwait
Insights
Acute gastroenteritis is a major cause of childhood hospitalizations, particularly in developing nations. Early cessation of breastfeeding significantly increases infant risk, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis represents a significant burden on pediatric healthcare systems.
- Understanding seasonal patterns and risk factors is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis hospitalizations in children.
- To investigate the association between breastfeeding practices and gastroenteritis incidence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1045 pediatric hospital admissions over 12 months.
- Data collection on disease prevalence, seasonality, and infant feeding status.
Main Results:
- Acute gastroenteritis accounted for 26% of pediatric admissions and 20% of bed utilization.
- Prevalence peaked in autumn and spring, with lowest rates in winter.
- Only 20% of hospitalized children were breastfed; most non-breastfed infants were weaned before two months.
Conclusions:
- Early cessation of breastfeeding is a potential risk factor for increased gastroenteritis frequency in young infants.
- This finding warrants significant public health attention, especially in developing countries.
Abstract:
Over a 12-month period 1045 children were hospitalized because of acute gastroenteritis. The disease accounted for 26% of admissions and for 20% of the total bed utilization. Prevalence peaked twice (autumn and spring), was low during summer and lowest in winter. Only 20% of children were breastfed on admission and in the great majority of those who were not, breast feeding was stopped under the age of two months. Early cessation of breast feeding may be responsible for the increased frequency of gastroenteritis in very young infants, and should be a cause for major concern in developing countries.
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