Episodic Diarrhoeal Diseases and Hygienic Practices among Caregivers of Under-fives Attending a Rural Health-centre in Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Hand-washing, environmental sanitation and other hygienic practices are public health measures to prevent diarrhoea. This study assessed episodic diarrhoeal diseases and hygienic practices in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 232 consenting parents/ caregivers who attended Comprehensive Health Centre, Ukpo. The respondents were enrolled on each clinic day by exit interview in the selected facility, hence convenient sampling was done. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire on the child`s socio-demographics, feeding pattern, episodes of diarrhoea in the last 24 months, as well as parents hand-washing techniques.

Results: Diarrhoea was commoner among those aged 0-12 months 157(77%). More males135 (58%) were affected. Pit toilet was the commonest form of sewage disposal 141(61%). Also, 188(81%) of the under-fives had <5 episodes of diarrhoea in 24 months as their parents practised good hygienic measures compared to 44(19%) who had >5episodes as a result of poor hygienic practices and this was statistically significant (p=0.023). Furthermore, 23(10%) of the under-fives whose parents practised good hand-washing techniques had 0-5 episodes of diarrhoea compared to 169(90%) of the same population who had 0-5 episodes in the last 24 months as a result of poor hand-washing. Results also showed that there was a 2.6-fold (aOR: 2.62, 95%CI: 1.11-6.19; p = 0.038) increased likelihood of having more than 5 episodes in children of parents with poor hygienic practices compared to those with better hygienic practices.

Conclusion: Diarrhoea was commoner in infants and may be as a result of poor hygienic practices among the caregivers. Improved hygienic practices are recommended.