Factors Affecting Diarrhea Among Children in Madhya Pradesh, India

PURPOSE: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of child death in India. Diarrhea prevalence is particularly severe in Madhya Pradesh, as the state showed a 12.5% diarrheal prevalence rate compared to a national rate of 9%. Survey data was used to identify various factors associated with childhood diarrhea, in order to determine water and sanitation program targeting priorities.

METHODS: The 2005-2006 Indian National Family Health Survey, which contains data on 2759 children aged 0-59 months living in Madhya Pradesh was analyzed. The key outcome measure was the percentage of children who experienced diarrhea within the last two weeks. Assessment of significance was completed using the Pearson's chi-square test. Relationships were examined between prevalence of childhood diarrhea and access to water and sanitation, the characteristics of the mother, child feeding habits, and residence.

RESULTS: Analysis showed a significant relationship between the following variables and recent diarrhea among children: age of mother (p= 0.05), place of residence (p= 0.017), education level (p=0.009), literacy level (p=0.038), mothers currently breastfeeding their children (p=0.001), toilet facility (p=.0008), and having ever heard of ORS (p< .001). Surprisingly, there was no significant relationship between water sources and diarrhea, nor was there a relationship with giving children plain water or formula. This suggests that sanitation and hygiene practices are more important determinants of childhood diarrhea.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Given the results, it is important to examine associations between hygiene and childhood diarrhea. Water and sanitation programs in this state should target young mothers with little education and low literacy.