ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC DIARRHEA AND WEIGHT LOSS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.01.390

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diarrhoea is still the second leading reason for death among kids underneath the

five years of age. Neither preventive measures nor therapeutic options are available. Objective:

To assess the risk factors associated with chronic diarrhea & weight loss in the children of

Pakistan. Methods: A purposive randomized controlled trial was conducted among the 110

children of District SBA / Jamshoro sindh, Pakistan with ages between 6 and 36 months and

mean age 24 months having more than 4 episodes of acute watery diarrhea for more than 48

hours. Results: There were total 110 children’s out of them 75(68.18%) were male and

35(31.82%) females. There were <12 months 40 (36.36%) of the children were below 01 year of

age, 12-24 months 32 (29.09%) belonged to 12-24 months and 38 (34.54%) were between 24-

36 months. Only 40 (36.36%) were undergoing breastfeeding or exclusively breastfed. 60

(54.55%) had an updated vaccinated status. 70 (63.64%)were low for birth weight. 80

(72.72%)families were consuming the municipal water supplies drinking and cooking. 75

(68.18%)were living in a joint family system. 30 (27.28%) of the mothers were literate with a

minimum of primary education and above. 75 (68.18%)of the children had an early weaning

history below 6 months of age. Conclusion: It was observed that children who had a history of

low birth weight below 2.5 kg, under 12 months of age, not or under breastfed during their

infancy, nursed on formula milk, unvaccinated status, those consuming un boiled water

(municipal water) and those who had a history of early weaning below 6 months of age suffered

more episodes of watery diarrhea.