Investigating the Cause and Management of Diarrhea in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh: A Retrospective Study

Background: Diarrhea is a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries, such as Bangladesh, where poor sanitation and contaminated water sources contribute to its prevalence.This study aimed to identify the causes, management, and treatment outcomes of diarrhea in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh, to inform more effective public health strategies.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Rajshahi City.Data on 643 patients with diarrhea were collected from hospital records and home visits.A self-designed, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, water, hygiene, and treatment data, which were then analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 for statistical analysis.Results: Among 643 participants, 69.36% were male and 30.64% female, with most of them being 20-40 years old, and about 56% of patients had diarrhea for the first time.Tube well water was used by 78.07% of patients for drinking, 41.06% for cooking, 12.60% for showering, and 11.04% for washing households and toileting purposes.The next most common water source is tap/supply water, and 20.53% of the population uses it for drinking, 53.65% for cooking, 55.68% for showering, and 55.99% for washing and toileting.About 80% of patients claim their drinking water is safe, 40.43% for cooking, 11.98% for showering, and 11.04% for toileting.After toileting, 50.70% used soap, while the rest used ash, hand wash, clean water, or water.A total of 12.13% of patients filtered water chemically and 18.97% physically. Conclusion:This study established a relationship between unsafe water, poor sanitation, and the prevalence of diarrhea in Rajshahi City.Its impact can be reduced by improving water, sanitation, and hygiene.The findings can help public health promote safe water, sanitation, and hygiene education to minimize diarrhea in the region.