Diarrhoea Prevalence in Under Five Children in Two Urban Populations Setting of Ndola, Zambia: An Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude at the Household Level

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea diseases are a leading cause of mortality in under five children of developing countries. In African countries preventable measures have been shown to reduce early child mortality, but poor Knowledge and  attitude towards diarrhea cases has contributed to the high prevalence. Objective: To determine the prevalence of diarrhea among under 5 children only in two urban settings and assessment of knowledge and attitude on the prevalence. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was gathered using a standardized questionnaire. Proportions from two different areas were compared using the Chi-square test, and a result yielding a p value of less than 5% was considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 718 households from the two locations were selected, 361 from Chipulukusu and 357 from Kansenshi. Diarrhea prevalence was (44.6%) in under 5 children (42.5%) from Chipulukusu and (2.1%) in Kansenshi. Respondents in Kansenshi were more knowledgeable than those coming from Chipulukusu: knowledge on risks, Kansenshi had (68.6%) while Chipulukusu had (52.4%). Kansenshi had (96.9%) and Chipulukusu had (91.7%) knowledge on symptoms. Knowledge on prevention Kansenshi had (91.9%) while Chipulukusu had (91.7%). Treatment of diarrhea Kansenshi had (994.1%) while Chipulukusu had (51.2%).In Kansenshi (99.4%) strongly agreed or just agreed that the use of untreated water contributes to the onset of diarrhea while in Chipulukusu was (96.1%).A total of (81.5%) in Kansenshi and (88.1%) in Chipulukusu strongly agreed that diarrhea can be prevented at home. Kansenshi had (8.4%) and Chipulukusu had (3.3%) of respondents who strongly agreed that persistent diarrhea can be treated at home. Lastly in Kansenshi (96.9%) and Chipulukusu (96.1%) strongly agreed that shallow well and pit latrine contributes to the onset of diarrhea. Conclusion: The prevalence, knowledge and attitude of diarrhea varied between the residential areas. Interventions are required which are residential specific and targeting at educating the residents on factors that contribute to the onset of diarrhea in under 5 children.