Risk factors for the development of diarrhoea in the neonatal ward of Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital.

A retrospective case control study was made to determine the risk factors for development of diarrhoea in a neonatal ward of Ethio-Swedish Children's Hospital over a period of 12 months. A total of 803 neonates' record was screened for the presence of diarrhoea during their hospital stay. There were 79 cases with an attack rate of 9.84%. The identified risk factors are gestational age less than 37 weeks, birth weight of less than 2500 gms, formula feeding and hospital stay of more than 10 days. Prophylactic usage of antibiotics have proven to be non-beneficial in reducing the acquisition of diarrhoea. Anticipation of the problem in those that are at risk and persistent surveillance to detect cases would be of paramount importance in reducing the overall morbidity.