scholarly journals Sanitation and Diarrheal Morbidity: Evidence from Afghanistan

Author(s):  
Manzoor Ahmad Malik ◽  
Saddaf Naaz Akhtar

AbstractIntroductionLack of sanitation facilities and inadequate water is key to many diseases’ outcomes, mainly diarrhea. These factors not just affect the health status of a country and but also result in increased mortality and morbidity pattern, particularly among the vulnerable population like children and women. Thus, the study assesses the linkages between diarrheal diseases and sanitation in Afghanistan affected since long by political instability which has derailed the health system of the country.Material and MethodsWe used 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey to assess the linkages between sanitation and diarrheal diseases among under-five children. Bivariate and multivariate analyses have used to carry out the study. The logistic model was used to evaluate the risk factors that lead to diarrheal outcomes.ResultsOur findings from the results showed that the prevalence of diarrhea among under-five children in Afghanistan was 29%. Pashai is the most affected, with 36% among ethnicities, whereas eastern Afghanistan is the most affected region with the prevalence of (38%). Open defecated Population (OR: 1.17, p<0.001), Tap water (OR: 1.31, p<0.001), Well water (OR: 1.24, p<0.001), and Sharing toilet (OR: 1.15, p<0.001) are significantly associated with childhood diarrhea.ConclusionsA significant impact has found with factors like-inadequate sanitation, shared toilet facility, clean water and other elements with childhood diarrhea in Afghanistan. The region-wise difference has also found to be very high across the regions. Thus, it has found that a lack of such factors has a more significant impact on the health of children and needs a particular focus from a policy purpose.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manzoor Ahmad Malik ◽  
Saddaf Naaz Akhtar

Background: Lack of sanitation facilities and inadequate water is key to many diseases' outcomes, mainly diarrhea. These factors affect the health status of a country and result in increased mortality and morbidity pattern, particularly among the vulnerable population like children and women. Thus, the study assesses the linkages between diarrheal diseases and sanitation in Afghanistan affected since long by political instability, which has derailed the country's health system. Methods: We used the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey to assess the linkages between sanitation and diarrheal diseases among under-five children. Bivariate and multivariate analyses have been used to carry out the study. The logistic model was used to evaluate the risk factors that lead to diarrheal outcomes. Results: Our findings from the results showed that the prevalence of diarrhea among under-five children in Afghanistan was 29%. Pashai is the most affected, with 36% among ethnicities, whereas eastern Afghanistan is the most affected region with a prevalence of (38%). Open defecated Population (OR: 1.17, p<0.001), Tap water (OR: 1.31, p<0.001), Well water (OR: 1.24, p<0.001), and Sharing toilet (OR: 1.15, p<0.001) are significantly associated with childhood diarrhea. Conclusions: A significant impact has been found with inadequate sanitation, shared toilet facility, clean water, and other elements with childhood diarrhea in Afghanistan. The region-wise difference has also been found to be very high across the regions. Thus, it has been found that a lack of such factors has a more significant impact on children's health and needs a particular focus from a policy purpose.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asmamaw Atnafu ◽  
Malede Mequanent Sisay ◽  
Getu Debalkie Demissie ◽  
Zemenu Tadesse Tessema

Abstract Background: Childhood diarrheal illness is the second leading cause of child mortality in Sub Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Studies hypothesized that there are regional variations. Thus, the study aimed to examine the spatial variations and to identify the determinants of childhood diarrhea in Ethiopia. Methods: Data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) was analyzed. This nationwide survey involved 10,337 children below 5 years old. The survey was carried out using a two-stage stratified sampling design. Moran’s I and LISA were used to detect the spatial clustering of diarrhea cases and to test for clustering in the data. Descriptive statistics followed by a mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of diarrhea. Results: Overall, 11.87% of children were experienced childhood diarrheal illness. The study reveals high-risk areas were Southern and central Ethiopia, while eastern and west were indicated as low-risk regions. Younger children were more likely to suffer from childhood diarrhea than their older counterparts: age 6 to 12, 12 to 23, and 24 to 35 months were (AOR = 2.66, (95% CI 2.01, 3.52)), (AOR = 2.45, (95% CI 1.89, 3.17)), and (AOR = 1.53, (95% CI 1.17, 2.01)), respectively. Children living in Tigray (AOR= 1.69 (95% CI, 1.01, 2.83)), Amhara (AOR = 1.80, (95% CI, 1.06, 3.06), SNNPR (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.22, 3.42), and Gambela (AOR = 2.05, (95% CI 1.22, 3.42)), faced greater risk than Addis Ababa city. The odds of getting diarrhea is decreased by 24% among households having ≥3 under-five children as compared to households having only one under-five child (AOR = 0.76 (95% CI: 0.61, 0.94)). The odds of children getting diarrheal illness among working mothers increase by 19% as compared to not working (AOR = 1.19 (95% CI 1.03, 1.38)). Conclusions: childhood diarrheal illness is highly prevalent among under-five children, particularly in SNNP, Gambella, Oromia, and Benishangul Gumuz regions. Capacity building programs with best experience sharing and better household environment may prove effective in reducing the incidence of childhood diarrhea in Ethiopia. Keywords: Spatial statistics, Ethiopia, under-five children, Diarrhea, Generalized Mixed Model


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Yilkal Tafere ◽  
Bedilu Abebe Abate ◽  
Habtamu Demelash Enyew ◽  
Amsalu Belete Mekonnen

Background. Diarrheal diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. One of the national initiatives to reduce its burden is an implementation of an open-defecation-free program. However, information related to the comparison of diarrheal diseases among residents in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free. Hence, this study assessed the magnitude of diarrheal diseases among residents in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free areas of Farta District, North Central Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 households (378 in open-defecation-free and 380 in non-open-defecation-free kebeles) who have under-five children using a structured questionnaire. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with diarrheal diseases in the district. Results. Overall, 29.9% of children had diarrheal diseases in the last two weeks prior to the study. The magnitude of diarrheal diseases among under-five children living in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free residents was 19.3% and 40.5%, respectively. Lack of functional handwashing facilities (AOR: 11, 95% CI (8.1–29.6)), improper excreta disposal (AOR: 3.84, 95% CI (2.15–5.65)), and residing in non-open-defecation-free areas (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI (1.72–3.23)) were factors associated with diarrheal diseases. Conclusions. The prevalence of diarrhea among children residing in open-defecation-free areas was lower than that among children those who resided in non-open-defecation-free areas. Lack of functional handwashing facilities, residing in non-open-defecation-free areas, and improper excreta disposal were significantly associated with diarrheal diseases in the district. Strengthening health promotion on non-open defecation, maintaining functional handwashing facilities, and preparing additional handwashing facilities are necessary. Continuous engagement of the community health extension workers is recommended, sustaining the implementation of open-defecation-free programs in the district.


Author(s):  
Dipak Kumar Dhar ◽  
Nilratan Majumder ◽  
Debasish Paul

ABSTRACT Aim Zinc is now considered as an important treatment intervention along with low-osmolarity oral rehydration salts in diarrhea. But awareness about the use of zinc remains low. The present study was conducted with an objective of assessing knowledge and practice of mothers of under-5 children about zinc supplementation in diarrhea. Materials and methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Paediatric Outpatient Department Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India, with a sample size of 700 mothers of under-5 children over 2 months. Convenience sampling technique was employed and the data were collected in a structured, interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and tests like chi-square test were used for analysis. Results Only 1.9% of all the respondents (13 out of 700) had heard about zinc therapy in diarrhea. Out of them, 11 mothers had actually used zinc in practice and 7 could tell the duration of therapy. None of them were aware of what benefit is conferred by zinc in an episode of diarrhea. An association between knowledge levels and educational status and occupation of mothers was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion The study reaffirmed the abysmally low level of awareness about zinc supplementation among mothers. Therefore, health education can be used as a tool to promote knowledge and practice of zinc supplementation in diarrhea to reduce mortality and morbidity. How to cite this article Dhar DK, Majumder N, Paul D. Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Mothers of Children under Five regarding Zinc Therapy in Childhood Diarrhea. Int J Adv Integ Med Sci 2016;1(4):169-172.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 466-471
Author(s):  
Ancey K Toby ◽  
Aruna R ◽  
Avani Anil

Aim: To find out the knowledge level of mothers of under five children regarding prevention and home care management of diarrhea and develop educational intervention to provide them adequate information regarding management. Objectives: i) To assess the knowledge of mothers regarding prevention and home care management of diarrhea. ii) To find out the association between knowledge level of mothers regarding prevention and homecare management of diarrhea and selected socio-demographic variables. Method: A quantitative research approach-descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. 80 samples were selected for the study by using purposive sampling technique. Results: It was found that 72.5% of mothers had average knowledge and 6.25% of mothers had poor knowledge regarding prevention and homecare management of diarrhea. After calculation of chi square values, it is identified that there is a statistically significant association between knowledge of mothers and their educational status. Conclusion: The finding of this study showed that the knowledge level of mothers was unsatisfactory about the prevention and home care management of under-five diarrheal diseases. Therefore, health education, dissemination of information, and community conversation should plan and implement to create a positive attitude and practice towards the better prevention and management of under-five diarrheal diseases. Keywords: diarrhea, mothers, under-five children.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259828
Author(s):  
Behailu Tariku Derseh ◽  
Natnael Mulushewa Tafese ◽  
Hazaratali Panari ◽  
Awraris Hailu Bilchut ◽  
Abel Fekadu Dadi

Background Acute diarrhea is a major public health problem in the world. Next to pneumonia, it is the leading cause of death in children under five years old. Globally, even though childhood diarrhea disease kills millions, the interaction of socio-demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors of acute diarrhea in children aged 6–59 months is not investigated yet in the current study area. Objective To determine behavioral and environmental predictors of acute diarrhea among under-five children from public health facilities of Siyadebirena Wayu district, North Shoa, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods A facility-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from March 12, 2019, to May 12, 2019. A total of 315 under-five children were included in the study (105 cases and 210 controls). A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS. To analyze the data, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. Results The study showed that average family monthly income of 12–23 USD (AOR = 6. 22; 95% CI: 1.30, 29.64), hand washing practice of mothers/ care givers with water only (AOR = 3.75; 95% CI: 1.16, 12.13), improper disposal of infant feces (AOR = 11.01; 95% CI: 3.37, 35.96), not treating drinking water at home (AOR = 9.36; 95% CI: 2.73, 32.08), children consuming left-over food stored at room temperature (AOR = 5.52; 95% CI: 1.60, 19.03) and poor knowledge of the respondents about the risk factors for diarrhea were the determinants that significantly associated with acute childhood diarrhea. Conclusion The potential predictors of childhood diarrhea morbidity were improper hand-washing practice, not treating drinking water at home, unsafe disposal of children’s feces, children consuming left-over food stored at room temperature, and having poor knowledge about the major risk factors for diarrhea. Thus, awareness of the community on hygiene and sanitation focusing on proper handling of human excreta, safe water handling, proper hand washing practice, and proper management of leftover food should be enhanced to prevent children from acute diarrhea diseases.


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