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Risk factors of persistent diarrhoea in children below five years of age

M Ahmed1, A G Billoo, G Murtaza

  • 1Department of Paediatrics Medicine, Dow Medical College and Civil Hospital, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Persistent diarrhea in children under five is linked to young age, poor nutrition, and inadequate sanitation. Interventions like promoting breastfeeding and safe water are crucial for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Persistent diarrhea is a significant cause of illness in developing countries.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the risk factors associated with persistent diarrhea in children under five years of age.
  • To inform public health interventions aimed at reducing childhood morbidity from persistent diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective analytical case-control study was conducted.
  • 50 cases of persistent diarrhea and 50 age- and sex-matched controls with acute diarrhea were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Young age (under one year), poor nutritional status, and irrational antibiotic use during acute diarrhea were key risk factors.
  • Lack of exclusive breastfeeding, incomplete vaccination, poor sanitation, and low family income (< Rupees 2000/month) were also significant risk factors.
  • Peak incidence occurred in children under one year, with a male predominance, and a seasonal peak in the summer rainy season.

Conclusions:

  • Discouraging irrational antibiotic use and promoting breastfeeding and the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) are vital.
  • Providing safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and training healthcare professionals in diarrhea case management are essential for prevention.

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