Determinants of diarrheal disease in under five children in Damboya district Central Ethiopia

Diarrhoea is one of the top causes of death among children under 5 years old globally, especially in sub-Saharan African countries like Ethiopia. While some research has been done on this issue, there is still limited information about the specific factors that contribute to diarrhoea in children under five in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate and identify the key factors that influence diarrheal disease among children under five in the Damboya district, located in Central Ethiopia. A community-based unmatched case-control study was carried out in the Damboya district, involving 492 children under 5 years of age. Of these, 163 were cases (children with diarrhoea) and 329 were controls (children without diarrhoea). Participants were selected using a systematic sampling method. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire, entered into EpiData version 4.6, and analysed using Stata version 17. A logistic regression model was used for analysis, and results were considered statistically significant if the p value was less than 0.05. The study identified several factors significantly associated with diarrheal diseases in children, including being aged 6-11 months [AOR: 3.92; 95% CI 1.50, 10.24], using unimproved latrines [AOR: 5.54; 95% CI 2.79, 11.00], relying on unprotected water sources [AOR: 4.98; 95% CI 2.32, 10.68], poor handwashing practices [AOR: 1.87; 95% CI 1.11, 3.17], consuming cow milk [AOR: 6.93; 95% CI 1.92, 24.95] or adult food [AOR: 6.58; 95% CI 1.48, 29.14], not using soap for handwashing [AOR: 3.86; 95% CI 2.25, 6.50], and mothers' limited knowledge about diarrhea [AOR: 1.92; 95% CI 1.01, 3.65]. In this study almost all determinants were modifiable variables except child's age. Key determinants of childhood diarrhoea include the child's age, type of latrine used, food consumption, handwashing practices, and maternal knowledge about diarrhoea. To address these factors, the district health office and other stakeholders should implement interventions targeting the identified modifiable variables, while giving special consideration to children aged 6-23 months.