Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Under-5 Children in Rural Dembiya, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, abdominal cramp, nausea, vomiting, gas in the GI tract, changes in bowel habits (e.g. diarrhea), or heartburn are common in the community. However, these symptoms may be misinterpreted and their impact and significance misunderstood, especially in the rural communities. This study was, therefore, conducted to assess common GI symptoms among children in rural Dembiya, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2017 among 225 randomly selected under-5 children. We primarily used mothers’ report to assess GI symptoms. Health professionals also diagnosed for some symptoms. Direct stool examination technique was used to identify parasitic infections. Bacteriological analysis of drinking water was done to determine the quality of drinking water. Food safety, environmental sanitation, and hygiene condition of children were assessed using observation checklists. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with GI symptoms on the basis of adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P