Influence of Food Hygiene Practices on Diarrheal Incidence Among Children of Working Mothers in Gazipur District, Bangladesh

Background: Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity in children in rural Bangladesh, with poor hygiene practices, unsafe water, and low maternal education contributing to their prevalence. Ensuring proper food hygiene and access to clean water is crucial in reducing diarrhea in children, particularly among working mothers who may lack time for proper health practices. Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of food hygiene practices, water sources, and maternal education on the frequency of diarrheal episodes in children of working mothers in rural Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gazipur district, collecting data from 260 working mothers with children aged 1-6 years. Data were gathered from four Upazila health complexes (Kaliakair, Kapasia, Sreepur, and Kaliganj) from January to August 2024. Information on demographics, food hygiene practices, water sources, and frequency of diarrheal episodes was collected using structured interviews and a pre-tested questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that 46.2% of children experienced more than 4 episodes of diarrhea in the last 3 months. Poor food hygiene practices, such as inconsistent handwashing (46.2%) and improper vegetable washing (53.8%), were associated with higher incidences of diarrheal episodes. Children who consumed well water had a significantly higher frequency of diarrheal episodes (38.5%) compared to those who drank boiled water (9.6%), with a p-value of <0.001. Maternal education was also linked to diarrheal risk, with children of mothers with no formal education experiencing 70% more severe episodes of diarrhea. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of hygiene practices, water quality, and maternal education in the prevalence of diarrheal episodes in rural Bangladesh. Interventions to improve hygiene, water safety, and education for mothers could significantly reduce the incidence of diarrheal diseases in children.