Factors Associated with Diarrhoea among Under-five Children in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Background: Diarrhoea presents a considerable public health issue, especially among under-five children, resulting in significant global morbidity and mortality. In developing nations, such as the sub-Saharan region, around 800,000 children succumb to severe dehydration caused by diarrhoea annually. The objective of this study is to identify the factors associated with diarrhea among under-five children in Zimbabwe. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2019 Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a sample of 6207 was selected from a data set of 12012 women and caregivers with under-five children aged 12-59 months. A secondary analysis was conducted on 4000 of these after adjusting for missing data using Jamovi statistical software version 2.4.1. The data underwent descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression for analytical purposes. Results: Children between 24 and 59 months old are less likely to have diarrhea compared to those aged 12 to 23 months (p < 0.001). Female children have lower odds than males (p = 0.025). Non-Christian religions increase odds by 1.245 times (p = 0.05). Lack of water at handwashing places raises the odds by 1.73 times (p = 0.003). Lack of Rotavirus immunization for Dose 1 and Dose 2 significantly increases the risk of Rotavirus infection (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The influence of child age, sex, health insurance, Rotavirus immunization, under-five children, maternal education, child ever breastfed and water availability on diarrhoea among under-five children in Zimbabwe highlights the necessity for the need for focused interventions. To reduce the impact of diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality, implementing tailored health education and promotion strategies is essential and has the potential to enhance the health outcomes of under-five children in Zimbabwe Background: Diarrhoea presents a considerable public health issue, especially among under-five children, resulting in significant global morbidity and mortality. In developing nations, such as the sub-Saharan region, around 800,000 children succumb to severe dehydration caused by diarrhoea annually. The objective of this study is to identify the factors associated with diarrhea among under-five children in Zimbabwe. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2019 Zimbabwe Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a sample of 6207 was selected from a data set of 12012 women and caregivers with under-five children aged 12-59 months. A secondary analysis was conducted on 4000 of these after adjusting for missing data using Jamovi statistical software version 2.4.1. The data underwent descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression for analytical purposes. Results: Children between 24 and 59 months old are less likely to have diarrhea compared to those aged 12 to 23 months (p < 0.001). Female children have lower odds than males (p = 0.025). Non-Christian religions increase odds by 1.245 times (p = 0.05). Lack of water at handwashing places raises the odds by 1.73 times (p = 0.003). Lack of Rotavirus immunization for Dose 1 and Dose 2 significantly increases the risk of Rotavirus infection (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The influence of child age, sex, health insurance, Rotavirus immunization, under-five children, maternal education, child ever breastfed and water availability on diarrhoea among under-five children in Zimbabwe highlights the necessity for the need for focused interventions. To reduce the impact of diarrhoea-related morbidity and mortality, implementing tailored health education and promotion strategies is essential and has the potential to enhance the health outcomes of under-five children in Zimbabwe