European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

ASSESSMENT OF DIARRHEA INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS

*Anwar Mohammed Jasim

ABSTRACT

Background: Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old and is responsible for killing around 760 000 children every year. Aims: To find out some socio demographic information about the study sample and associated factors which is related with it. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out in one hospital in Baghdad, Al - Alwiya Teaching Hospital for children. 120 of the subjects were patients attending the hospital as a result of their illness (Diarrhoea). Since the children were too young at this age, to be interviewed, their parents were interviewed to identify the risk factors for diarrhoea and the contents of the consent form was spelt out to them. Result: The higher percent 41.7% falls in the age group <1 year, followed by 28.3% in the age group (1-2) years, and the least frequency 2.5% in the age group (>5) years old. 51.7% was female and 48.3% was male. 51% of mothers were using the breastfeeding. 53% of children had a more than 5 times of loose liquid. Conclusion: There are highly significant differences had been found between age groups, gender and type of feeding P <0.000. Also, Significant difference had been found between duration of diarrhea & age groups, type of feeding.

Keywords: Diarrhea, children, age, assess, under 5 years.