Title:
PREVALENCE OF DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN THE PERIURBAN ENVIRONMENT OF THE CITY OF KISANGANI, TSHOPO PROVINCE, DRC.

Authors:
Basandja LE*, Panda LK and Losimba LJ

Abstract:
Introduction This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of diarrhea among children under 5 years of age and the associated factors. Method An analytical study was conducted in 190 selected households in two peri-urban Health Zones of the city of Kisangani, during the period of 22-31 December 2019. Using SPSS 20 software, the prevalence of diarrhea in children under 5 years of age was determined, multivariate analysis of factors associated with diarrhea was performed by adjusted ORs derived from a top-down stepwise logistic regression model and WALD Chisquare at the 5% significance level. Results The overall prevalence of diarrhoea was 4.5% (CI95: 4%-5%), about three times higher in children under 5 years of age (13% CI95: 10%-16%). No difference in prevalence with unsanitized villages (p>0.05); Household water treatment (aOR=0.07; CI95 =0.015-0.366) and use of improved toilets (aOR=0.157 CI95=0.031-0.79) protect against diarrhoea; water storage time of 48 hours or more increases the risk of diarrhoea about 7.5 times (aOR=7.39; CI95 =3.16-17.3). Conclusion Household prevalence of diarrhoea among children under five years of age remains high. Reducing water storage time to 24 hours, home water treatment and hygienic excreta disposal are essential actions to promote.

Keywords:
Diarrhea, Children under 5, risk factors, Kisangani, DRC

DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.52267/IJASER.2021.2502