Epidemiology Of Diarrheal Diseases in Children Below 5 Years in Wassit Province

Abstract

Diarrheal diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries. We have analyzed distribution of diarrhea in children under five years of age who resided in rural or urban environments but attended Al_Karama hospital in Al_Kut city in Wassit. In this study we have found that diarrheal disease is more common in family that their parents illiterate, there is a peak incidence at1-2 years old. The disease more in infant who use bottle feeding than in those who feed on breast of their mothers and those with mixed type of feeding.The incidence of the disease is greater in children whose mothers use tap water for feeding. As for the Residence of the parents of these children, the occurrence of the condition is nearly equal between urban and rural regions.There is no significant difference between male and female.
Conclusion: During this study, important environmental risk factors were recognized. Endangered groups and mothers with children under 5 years old should be aware of these risk factors in order to prevent their children's diseases. Prevention of acute diarrhea in children can reduce massive detriments to health system.