Diarrheal Diseases in Children Under 5 Years A Case of Marondera District, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, 2021

Abstract

Diarrhoea l challenges globally, are a hindrance and are the 2nd leading cause of death in children under 5 years. There was a noticeable increase in number of diarrhea l cases in Marondera district during week 7 (136 cases) in 2021. The research wanted to determine the risk factors associated with diarrhea. The main purpose was to be able to institute early intervention measures, control the outbreak and provide the necessary resources. The precede-proceed conceptual framework model was used. The researcher used a probability systematic random sampling case control study design of 35 cases and 35 selected into the study. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Medical records such as OPD cards were checked to confirm their self-report on diarrhea and registers especially T12 were checked as well to confirm eligibility of the diarrhea cases. The quality check of the data was done during the field visits. Quantitative data amassed was also processed using SPSS and analysed using Epi Info 7. The results showed that the mean age was 26.3 months, no statistical significance between level of education and developing diarrhea. There was some association between religion and getting diarrhea, Chi-square value 9.1, df =3 and p-value = 0.028. Using open well when there was water cut had significant association for getting diarrhea OR = 11.62, CI = 3.35 -40.23, p = 0.00023, while having no water cuts had minimal protective effect from getting diarrhea OR = 0.07, CI = 0.015 – 0.35 and p = 0.00023. Burst sewer pipes, non-refuse collection had significant association with getting diarrhea. In conclusion, contaminated water from open wells, burst sewer pipes and none refuse collection were major risks associated with contracting diarrhea in under 5 years children in Marondera. As a result, water cuts should be minimised, residents informed in advance so that they can store water in closed containers for use, encouraged to boil the water and politicians to drill boreholes. The municipality to urgently attend to burst and leaking sewer pipes and collect refuse frequently.