Disease burden and risk factors of diarrhoea in children under five years: Evidence from Kenya's demographic health survey 2014.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at examining the socio-demographic, environmental and behavioural determinants of diarrhoea in children under five years in Kenya.

METHODS

The study entailed an analysis of secondary data from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey (DHS) 2014 using STATA Corp 2010. A total of 19,889 children <5 years were in the study, out of whom 2,906 had diarrhoea in the last two weeks prior to the survey. Descriptive analysis of independent variables and logistic regression model was used to analyse risk factors associated with diarrhoea in children <5 years.

RESULTS

The most significant risk factors (p < 0.05) associated with diarrhoea morbidity in children <5 years were child age (AOR 2.26 95% CI 1.64, 3.11), low level of caregiver's education (AOR 1.45 95% CI 1.11, 1.90) and unsafe disposal of children's faeces (AOR 1.29 95% CI 1.03, 1.61). Wealthier households (AOR 0.83 95% CI 0.68, 1) were protective for diarrhoea in children <5 years.

CONCLUSION

Increasing caregiver education, wealthier households and promoting hygienic behaviours in poor households were associated with reducing diarrhoea. Programmes aimed at reducing diarrhoea may achieve better results in targeting caregivers with children in high risk age cohorts of 6-23 months.