Factors Influencing Diarrheal Diseases among Children Under Five Years in Kajiado County
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2412Abstract
Background: Diarrheal diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in young children. Diarrhea is a preventable disease, but the inadequate knowledge of mother, approach towards the prevention could lead to the high likelihood of diarrhea among children. In Kajiado County, diarrhea is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children below five years.
Objectives: The study objectives of the study was; to ascertain the influence of maternal knowledge on diarrheal diseases; to identify the influence of hygiene practices on diarrheal diseases and to establish the influence of social economic factors on diarrheal diseases among children under five .
Methods: The study population comprised of caregivers of children under five-.The study used questionnaires and key interview guide to collect the data.
Results: Maternal knowledge significantly impacts the incidence of diarrheal diseases among children under five with caregivers holding polytechnic and university education showing lower odds of their children contracting these diseases (0.964 and 1.409 less odds, respectively). Hygiene practices, such as source of water, handwashing habits, and waste management, were also identified as key factors, with practices like using spring or river water, not washing hands before feeding children, and improper disposal of waste correlating with higher odds of diarrheal diseases (0.7662, 0.7577 less odds, and 0.1932 more odds, respectively). Socio-economic factors, including the child's age, household size, income, and type of housing, were found to influence the prevalence of diarrheal diseases, with older children, smaller households, higher incomes, and living in permanent houses associated with reduced odds of these diseases (0.4986 less odds for children aged 4-5 years, and 0.8993 less odds for those living in permanent houses).
Conclusion: The study concludes that maternal knowledge, hygiene practices, and socio-economic factors impact the incidence of diarrheal diseases.
Recommendations: The study recommends targeted health education programs.
Keywords: Diarrheal Diseases, Children Under Five Years, Kajiado County
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