Diarrheal disease burden and risk factors among under-five children in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2026-04-13
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Publisher
International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
Abstract
Background:
Diarrheal disease is still a major public health concern, particularly among children under-five in low-resource areas.
It is responsible for high rate of illness and deaths of children mainly in developing countries.
Objectives:
To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of Diarrheal disease among children under five years of age
in selected communities in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in three communities in Moro LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria. It
included 410 caregivers of children under five years. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select participants.
Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed
with SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p<0.05) were employed.
Results:
Two-week prevalence of diarrhea was 22.2% (n = 91). Among affected children, 80.2% had 2–3 episodes, with 66.3%
exhibiting fever and 70.0% showing signs of dehydration. Environmental risk factors included the use of untreated well
water (44.6%) and uncovered water storage (31.7%). Only 53.7% of households had hand-washing facilities. While 87.8%
of caregivers sought medical care, only 34.2% did so immediately. Antibiotic use (56.1%) was more common than the use
of oral rehydration solution (ORS) (34.4%) and Zinc tablet (9.4%). Households with more than three under-five children
had poorer hygiene and higher diarrhea prevalence due to resource constraints and caregiver fatigue.
Conclusions:
Significant associations were found with socio-demographic factors, environmental risks, and poor hygiene practices.
Healthcare-seeking behavior was high (87.8%), but gaps existed in ORS use and preparation. Recommendations include
improving water safety, sanitation, caregiver education, and adherence to WHO guidelines for diarrheal management.
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Citation
Issa, Y. F., Saka, S. B., Bilewu, O. O., Ige, E. T., Ayando, O. D., Agboola, A. O., & Muhammed, O. R. (2026). Diarrheal disease burden and risk factors among under-five children in Moro Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 11(4), 291–300. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr132