Project – EFFECT OF DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 0-5 YEARS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Diarrhea is a significant health concern among children aged 0-5 years, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old, accounting for approximately 525,000 deaths each year (WHO, 2017). The prevalence of diarrhea in this age group is particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water contribute to the spread of diarrheal diseases (UNICEF, 2019).

Several studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of diarrhea among children attending Primary Health Care (PHC) centers. A study conducted in Nigeria found that the prevalence of diarrhea among children aged 0-5 years attending PHC was 32.4% (Oloruntoba, Folarin & Ayede, 2014). This high prevalence was attributed to poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and inadequate knowledge about hygiene practices among caregivers.

In contrast, a study conducted in India reported a lower prevalence of 18.6% among children aged 0-5 years attending PHC (Gupta, Gupta & Gupta, 2016). The study attributed the lower prevalence to the implementation of the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) strategy, which includes interventions such as promotion of breastfeeding, immunization, and use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) for managing diarrhea.

However, a study conducted in Ethiopia reported a higher prevalence of 22.5% among children aged 0-5 years attending PHC (Alemu, Shiferaw & Ambachew, 2018). The study suggested that the high prevalence could be due to the high rate of malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of clean water in the study area.

Despite the varying prevalence rates reported in different studies, it is clear that diarrhea remains a significant health concern among children aged 0-5 years attending PHC. Therefore, there is a need for continued efforts to improve sanitation, access to clean water, and knowledge about hygiene practices among caregivers. Additionally, the implementation of strategies such as IMNCI could help reduce the prevalence of diarrhea in this age group.

• Statement of the Problem

Diarrhea remains a significant health problem among children aged 0-5 years, especially those attending Primary Health Care (PHC) centers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old, accounting for approximately 525,000 deaths each year (WHO, 2017). This alarming statistic underscores the severity of the problem and the urgent need for effective interventions.

Children attending PHC centers are particularly vulnerable to diarrhea due to several factors. These include inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, malnutrition, and low immunization rates (UNICEF, 2019). Furthermore, the high patient load in PHC centers often results in overcrowded conditions, which can facilitate the spread of diarrheal diseases.

Despite the high prevalence of diarrhea among children attending PHC centers, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the subject. Most studies focus on hospital-based cases, which may not accurately reflect the situation in PHC settings (Bado, 2016). This gap in the literature hinders the development of targeted interventions and policies to address the problem.

Moreover, the impact of diarrhea on children’s health and development is not fully understood. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and even death if not properly managed (Liu et al., 2016). It can also disrupt children’s education and social development, further exacerbating the problem.

The high prevalence of diarrhea among children attending PHC centers also places a significant burden on healthcare resources. The frequent hospitalizations and treatments associated with diarrhea can strain already limited resources, affecting the quality of care provided to other patients (Bado, 2016).

The prevalence of diarrhea among children aged 0-5 years attending PHC centers is a significant health problem that requires urgent attention. Further research is needed to understand the extent of the problem, identify risk factors, and develop effective interventions.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Effect of diarrhea in children between 0-5 years attending PHC Sabon Gari Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State. The specific objectives of the study are:

1. To determine the prevalence rate of diarrhea among children aged 0-5 years attending Primary Health Care (PHC) centers.
2. To identify the common risk factors associated with the occurrence of diarrhea in this age group attending PHC.
3. To assess the impact of diarrhea on the health status and growth of children aged 0-5 years attending PHC.
4. To evaluate the effectiveness of current preventive measures and treatment strategies for diarrhea at PHC centers.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the prevalence rate of diarrhea among children aged 0-5 years attending Primary Health Care (PHC) centers?
2. What are the common risk factors associated with the occurrence of diarrhea in this age group attending PHC?
3. How does diarrhea impact the health status and growth of children aged 0-5 years attending PHC?
4. How effective are the current preventive measures and treatment strategies for diarrhea at PHC centers?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Diarrhea has no significant impact on the health status and growth of children aged 0-5 years attending PHC.

H₁: Diarrhea has significant impact on the health status and growth of children aged 0-5 years attending PHC.

• Significance of the Study

Firstly, understanding the prevalence rate of this health issue can provide valuable insights into the overall health status of children within this age group in Nigeria. Diarrhea, while often dismissed as a common childhood ailment, can have severe consequences if not properly managed, including dehydration and malnutrition. By studying its prevalence, we can gauge the extent of this health problem and identify areas where intervention is most needed.

Secondly, this study can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on child health and disease patterns in Nigeria. It can provide updated and localized data, which is crucial in formulating effective health policies and programs. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for health officials and policymakers in their decision-making processes.

Thirdly, the study can help identify common risk factors associated with the occurrence of diarrhea in this age group. This information is vital in designing preventive measures and health education programs. By addressing these risk factors, we can potentially reduce the incidence of diarrhea among children attending PHC centers.

Fourthly, the study can assess the impact of diarrhea on the health status and growth of children aged 0-5 years. This can shed light on the long-term effects of this health issue, which can guide health practitioners in providing comprehensive care for affected children.

Fifthly, the study can evaluate the effectiveness of current preventive measures and treatment strategies for diarrhea at PHC centers. This can lead to improvements in the delivery of health services and the development of more effective strategies to combat diarrhea.

Lastly, the study can serve as a catalyst for more focused research on child health in Nigeria. It can highlight gaps in current research and pave the way for future studies that can further improve child health outcomes in the country.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the Effect of diarrhea in children between 0-5 years attending PHC Sabon Gari Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State. The study is restricted to the PHC Sabon Gari Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

1. Prevalence: This is a statistical concept referring to the number of cases of a particular disease or condition present in a population at a given time. It’s often expressed as a proportion or percentage.
2. Diarrhea: This is a common health condition characterized by loose or watery stools. It can be caused by many factors, including infections, certain medications, or food intolerances.
3. Children: This term refers to individuals who are in the stage of development between birth and adolescence. The exact age range can vary, but it’s generally considered to include individuals up to the age of 18.
4. PHC: This stands for Primary Health Care. It’s a whole-of-society approach to health and well-being centered on the needs and preferences of individuals, families, and communities. It addresses the broader determinants of health and focuses on comprehensive and intersectoral responses.

Project – EFFECT OF DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 0-5 YEARS