Environmental determinants of reported diarrhea among under 5-year old children in Mogadishu, Somalia
Keywords:Diarrhea, Environmental determinants, Under 5-year old children, Somalia
Purpose - The objective of this study was to assess the effects of environmental exposure on diarrhea incidence among U5 children in Mogadishu.
Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 195 caregivers of families with U5 children. They were recruited from four districts in Banadir region; and the study was performed from June to September 2016. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with the diarrhea. Almost all caregivers were mothers who therefore were the primary interviewees.
Findings - About 17.4% of families with U5 children in the study area reported a case of diarrhea within the previous 30 days. Knowledge of diarrhea among mothers was at poor level (80.5%). Only 38.5 % drank treated water from a vendor tank or private well. The hygiene practices of mothers (77.9%) and food preparation practices (70.3%) were relatively good. Household environmental and latrine sanitation 72.3% were at poor level. The risk of diarrhea among families of U5 children increased 3.11 fold (95%CI 1.12-8.71) among families with poor level of food hygiene practices, also increased with an increasing number of U5 children in the family. The longer the duration of living in the capital of Somalia elevated the risk of family with U5 diarrhea.
Originality/value - The importance of knowledge on diarrhea, hygiene practices along with household environment and latrine sanitation should be strengthened within the community.
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