To do's after war: Priorities for acute diarrheal diseases intervention among under-five children in conflict settings of Raya Kobo district, Northeastern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION

Diarrheal diseases are significant causes of under-five children mortality and morbidity in developing countries. This is particularly alarming among the community living in conflict zones where less attention is given for basic services including water, food, and health. However, there are no detailed investigations on acute diarrhea among under-five children in conflict-affected areas, which impedes intervention approaches. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the prevalence of acute diarrhea and associated factors among under-five children in conflict-affected setting of Raya Kobo, Northeast Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was employed among 463 under-five children in Raya Kobo district, from February to March 2021. The study participants were selected from ten rural kebeles. Pre-tested questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect the data. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of acute diarrhea.

RESULTS

The prevalence of acute diarrhea among under-five children was 21% (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.50-23.91%). Unimproved drinking water source (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.89; 95%CI: 1.38-6.06), disposal of garbage in open field (AOR = 3.33; 95%CI:1.66-6.67), having low monthly income (AOR = 5.73; 95%CI: 3.07-10.59), absence of latrine facility (AOR = 3.18; 95%CI: 1.09-8.78), poor hand washing practice at critical times (AOR = 2.52; 95%CI:1.28-4.05), not regularly cleaning food utensil before child feeding (AOR = 2.54; 95%CI:1.31-4.94), and not received Rota vaccine (AOR = 4.28; 95%CI: 1.82-10.11) were the determinant factors.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce the burden of acute diarrheal diseases, post-war intervention approaches should emphasize on advocating for Rota virus vaccination, regularly cleaning food utensils before feeding, improving hand washing practice at critical times, provision of improved drinking water source, and use of proper solid and domestic sewage discharge/disposal methods.