Socio-Demographic Factors of Diarrhoea among Children Under Five Years in Matungulu and Mavoko Sub-Counties, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Children under five remain highly susceptible to diarrhoeal infections, accounting for about one in every nine deaths globally in this age group. Despite various national and global interventions to prevent diarrhoea and promote child health, diarrhoea persists as a major public health concern. This study, therefore, examined the socio-demographic factors influencing the prevalence of diarrhoea among children under five in Mavoko and Matungulu sub-counties. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey involving 398 mothers or caregivers of children under five was conducted to assess socio-demographic factors linked to diarrhoea prevalence within the 14 days preceding the study. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant factors, with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Regression analysis revealed significant associations between childhood diarrhoea and specific socio-demographic factors in Matungulu and Mavoko sub-counties. In Matungulu, the education level of mothers or caregivers was significantly associated with diarrhoea occurrence among children (OR = 0.732, 95% CI: 0.217–2.204, p = 0.011). In Mavoko, maternal employment status showed a strong link to childhood diarrhoea (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 0.94–3.76, p = 0.004). Additionally, the age of the child (7–36 months) was a significant predictor of diarrhoea in both sub-counties: Matungulu (OR = 1.704, 95% CI: 1.321–3.468, p = 0.012) and Mavoko (OR = 1.730, 95% CI: 1.221–2.468, p = 0.023). Conclusion and Recommendations: The study demonstrated that childhood diarrhoeal disease in was influenced by mothers’ or caregivers’ education and employment status, as well as the child’s age (7–36 months). Strengthening health education, promoting caregiver empowerment, and targeting households with young children are essential strategies for reducing diarrhoea prevalence in the study area.