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Published on: July 22, 2012
Rotavirus-associated diarrhoea in children in a refugee camp in Jordan
1Department of Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbed, Jordan.
Insights
Rotavirus diarrhea is prevalent in young Jordanian children, especially during summer. Unsafe water for formula and lower maternal education are key risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease globally.
- Data on rotavirus prevalence and risk factors in Jordanian children, particularly refugees, is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rotavirus-associated diarrhea in children under 5 years old in northern Jordan.
- To identify environmental and behavioral risk factors associated with rotavirus infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 220 children diagnosed with gastroenteritis (cases) and matched controls.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect rotavirus antigens in stool samples.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus antigens were detected in 35% of cases and 3% of controls.
- Prevalence was significantly higher (62%) in children under 24 months (OR = 2.4).
- Rotavirus diarrhea peaked during summer months (June-August).
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus is a significant cause of acute diarrhea in young Jordanian refugee children.
- Infant feeding practices (using unboiled tap water for formula) and lower maternal education levels are identified risk factors.
Abstract:
Studies on the rotavirus-associated acute diarrhoeal illness in Jordanian children are non-existent. The present case-control study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of rotavirus diarrhoea among children aged less than 5 years, attending the United Nations Refugee World Aid Clinic in northern Jordan. The potential environmental and behavioural risk factors contributing to the infection were also studied. Using the ELISA technique rotavirus antigens were detected in the stool samples of 35% of the 220 cases of gastroenteritis and in 3% of the control group. The control subjects were matched for age and sex with the cases. The overall prevalence was significantly higher (62%) in children aged less than 24 months [OR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.1-5.1)] than those in the older age groups. Severe cases of diarrhoea were rare. Diarrhoea due to rotavirus was more prevalent during the summer months (June-August). Risk factors for acute diarrhoea in these children are related to the infant feeding practices of using unboiled tap water to prepare the formula milk, and the low educational level of the mothers.
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