ASSOCIATION OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHAACTERISTICS WITH ACUTE DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN AGED 2-5 YEARS: A HOSPITAL-BASED CASE CONTROL STUDY IN CMH PESHAWAR

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship of socio demographic factors with acute diarrhea among children being treated in Out Patient Department of Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar.

Study Design: Case control study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was under taken in family Out Patient Department, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Peshawar, from Jul 2014 to Dec 2014.

Methodology: Three hundred and sixty three children aged 2 to 5 years were included in the study, out of which 121 were cases with acute diarrhea and 242 were healthy controls (1:2). Data was collected through structured questionnaire asked from mothers.

Results: There was statistical significant association between cases (with diarrhea) and controls (without diarrhea) regarding child’s age, working status of mother and kacha type of house (p<0.01). Statistically highly significant association was also found between rural setting and absence of diarrhea (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Risk factors for childhood diarrhea vary by population with some factors being more important than others in particular settings. Children aged 2-3 years were relatively at a greater risk to develop diarrhea than 4-5 years. Similarly cases (children with acute diarrhea) have also shown a positive association with working status of mothers and urban setting.