FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INCREASED CASES OF DIARRHEA AMONG CHILDREN AGED BELOW 5 YEARS ATTENDING KAMULI GENERAL HOSPITAL IN KAMULI DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/jwhr.v2i2.20Keywords:
Contributing factors, Sanitation and hygiene, Diarrhea among Children Under 5 years, Kamuli General HospitalAbstract
Background
Diarrhea remains a significant public health concern, disproportionately affecting young children worldwide. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to diarrheal diseases, which can lead to severe dehydration, malnutrition, and even death. This study aimed to determine the factors contributing to increased cases of diarrhea among children aged below 5 years attending Kamuli General Hospital in Kamuli District.
Methodology
A descriptive study design employed quantitative data collection; a simple random sampling technique was used. Data was collected from a sample size of 50 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions as a data collection tool. Data was later analyzed manually using tally sheets, computed into frequency and percentages using the Microsoft Excel program with bar graphs, pie charts, and tables for easier interpretation.
Results
(90%) of the respondents were female whereas the minority (10%) were male. (90%) had latrines in their home, (70%) of respondents had protected water sources while (30%) had unprotected water sources. (60%) lived in highly populated areas with more than 1000 citizens, 64%lived in rural areas. (74%) of the respondents, reported that they took 10min to reach the nearby water source. (66%) respondents visited the hospital once in a while this was also related to the long distances walked by the majority (60%) respondents of to the hospital.
Conclusion
The study found that lack of latrines and unprotected water sources are not the main causes of diarrhea among children under five. Instead, factors like crowded living areas, rural locations, and far distances to water and healthcare may contribute to the problem.
Recommendation
Ministry of Health should establish more health facilities in rural areas to reduce on long distances walked by patients.
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