Diarrhea and its associated factors among children aged under five years in Madagascar, 2024: a multilevel logistic regression analysis

Abstract Background Diarrhea, defined as three or more loose stool per day, is a major cause of child mortality. Exploring its prevalence, and influencing factors is crucial for public health decision and targeted interventions. This study aimed to investigate these aspects using 2021 Madagascar demographic health survey data. Method This study employed a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from a total of 8,740 weighted under-five children. The dependent variable was the occurrence of diarrhea, which was measured based on caregiver-reported incidents within the previous two weeks prior to the survey. To identify factors associated with diarrhea, a multilevel logistic regression model was utilized, allowing for the examination of both individual and contextual factors. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results The analysis identified several significant factors associated with diarrhea in children under five. Children aged 7–12 months had a significantly higher risk of diarrhea (OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 2.028–3.591, p