Prevalence and risk factors of norovirus gastroenteritis in children under five years in Okada, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Norovirus is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among children under five years globally, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation.This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with norovirus gastroenteritis in children under five years in Okada, Ovia North, Edo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children under five years presenting with diarrhea at Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital.A total of 123 stool samples were collected and tested for norovirus using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Socio-demographic data were obtained from parents and caregivers.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19, with 2 tests performed to determine associations between norovirus infection and demographic factors. Results:The overall prevalence of norovirus gastroenteritis among the study participants was 13.0% (16/123).The highest prevalence was observed in children aged 0-1 year (68.8%), followed by those aged 2-3 years (31.2%), while no cases were detected among children aged 4-5 years.Male children accounted for 62.5% of infections, while females accounted for 37.5%.Infection was more prevalent among children in semi-urban areas (50.0%), followed by those in urban (37.5%) and rural areas (12.5%).The prevalence was higher among children attending crche (68.8%) compared to those in primary school (31.2%).However, no statistically significant association was found between norovirus infection and any of the socio-demographic variables analyzed (P > 0.05). Conclusion:The findings underscore the need for improved sanitation, access to clean water, and enhanced public health interventions to reduce the burden of norovirus infections in this vulnerable population.