Factors Influencing The Occurrence of Diarrhea Among Children Under Five Years of Age in Koro Sub county, Gulu district.

Abstract

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality and morbidity in children under five years. Among the any factors that cause diarrhea are poor rubbish disposal and lack of household latrine which hiked the occurrence of diarrhea in Koro Sub County. However despite the various measures put in place to halt diarrhea, it is still persistently prevailing in many developing counties like Uganda. Hence this study aimed at determining the factors influencing the occurrence of diarrhea among children under five. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 138 caretakers of children under five in Koro sub county, Gulu district. Researcher administered questionnaires were used to collect on individual, socio-economic, environmental characteristics of children in households of Koro sub county. The prevalence of diarrhea was also obtained and it revealed a prevalence of 73.2%.diarrhea without blood accounted for 63.4% and diarrhea with blood was 36.6% Variables were tested using statistical package for social scientist (SPSS) and a chi-square statistical test employed. Variables such as presence of household latrine, waste disposal, infant feeding practices and type of house floor were found statistically significant with occurrence of at p=0.05 while other variables like type of water, caretakers education level, hygiene practices, immunization status and child’s age did not show any statistical significance with the occurrence of diarrhea. Conclusively the study shows the importance of the relationship between individual, socio- economic and environmental factors in influencing the occurrence of childhood diarrhea. Furthermore combined efforts of the community and other stakeholders should be put in place to halt the occurrence of diarrhea in matters concerning infant feeding practices, personal hygiene, type of water and rubbish disposal. Studies to determine the factors that influence the occurrence of diarrhea in children under five in rural communities should be conducted in order for measures to be put in place.