Publication
Title
Maternal determinants of diarrhea in children under five in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Author
Abstract
Introduction: Diarrheal diseases are one of the leading causes of death among children younger than 5 years of age in the world in general and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular. Mothers are predominantly responsible for child care and housekeeping in this region. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and identify its maternal determinants in children under five in the city of Lubumbashi. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted throughout March 2018 collected data from 299 mothers through a household survey. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews. Results: The prevalence of diarrhea in children under 5 in Lubumbashi was 35.8%. In the univariate analysis, the variables associated with diarrhea were single motherhood, soap-free hand-washing after latrine use, and the presence of feces around the latrines. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of feces around latrines (OR adjusted = 2.12 [1.18-3.80]) was associated with diarrhea. Conclusion: Defective cleaning by mothers, specifically their failure to keep latrine areas clean and free of feces, is associated with the risk of diarrhea in children under five in the study area. A hygiene intervention program must be designed to promote healthy behavior to alleviate the burden of diarrhea in children.
Language
French
Source (journal)
Médecine et santé tropicales. - Paris, 2012, currens
Publication
Paris : John Libbey Eurotext , 2019
ISSN
2261-3684
DOI
10.1684/MST.2019.0918
Volume/pages
29 :3 (2019) , p. 273-278
ISI
000488876500009
Pubmed ID
31573522
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 08.11.2019
Last edited 21.08.2024
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