1. Influence of latrine coverage and usage on diarrhoea incidence among children under 5 living in slum areas of Douala 5th sub-division, Cameroon.
- Author
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Mabvouna, Rodrigue Biguioh, Ben Béchir, Adogaye Sali, Nkamedjie, Martial Patrick Pete, Colizzi, Vittorio, and Sanou, Martin Sobze
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TOILETS , *ORAL rehydration therapy , *DIARRHEA , *SLUMS , *WATERBORNE infection , *FISHER exact test , *SHIGELLOSIS - Abstract
Introduction: lack of adequate sanitation facilities remain a major concern in developing countries. While around 41% of Cameroonians lack access to improved sanitation facilities, the 2011 National Survey revealed a diarrhoea incidence rate of 21% in children under five years, two weeks before interview. This study aimed at evaluating the influence of latrine coverage and usage on diarrhoeic disease outcomes among children under 5. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out in March 2016 in pre-selected slums areas of Douala 5th district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from one consenting adult per household. Data analysis was carried out using Epi Info version 7.1.4.0. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher exact test were used to estimate the influence of latrine coverage on the incidence of diarrhoea. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: of the 384 households enrolled, 69.01% had latrine facilities, while 30.99% shared latrines with neighbouring households. Sixty point sixteen percent (60.16%) (231/384) of all households used pit latrines. Although consistent use of latrines by all adults was reported, 20.05% of children under 5 practiced open-air defecation. The incidence of diarrhoea among children under 5 years 2 weeks before interview was 29.25%, of which 26.35% were bloody stools. Diarrhoea outcome was significantly associated with use of pit latrines (p < 0.01); lack of cover on latrines hole (p < 0.0001) and proximity of latrines to household (p=0.01). Conclusion: poor faecal waste management and lack of improved sanitation facilities contribute significantly to diarrhoeal episodes among children under 5. A structured strategy to improve community-based sanitation considering urban planning and sanitation campaigns would promote safer environment and reduce outcome of water-borne and diarrhoeic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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