Everything is not on track in management of diarrhoea in under-five children: Evidence from rural area of India

Context: Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity in under-five children. Effective management can significantly influence survival of children with diarrhea. Objectives: This study was carried out to assess extent of diarrhea, its source of treatment, and type of therapy. Settings and Design: This snapshot study was conducted in rural setting of India. Methods and Material: This study was conducted on 217 under-five children selected through multistage sampling procedure. Statistical analysis used: Statistical association of diarrhea with age and gender of children was established by computing Chi-square. Results: Period prevalence (Recall period 2 weeks of visit) of diarrhea in rural under-five children was 35.9% (95%C.I. 29.3-42.2%). Highest prevalence in age group 0-12 months (47.8%) and lowest in 49-59 months (18.2%). Number of episode per child is 1.08. Diarrhea was watery in 69.4%. Quacks were treatment provider for 36.4% cases. In 17.6% episodes, no treatment was taken. Only 9.4% episodes were treated in government facilities. For the treatment of diarrhea, antibiotic was used in 71.8% cases, ORS use was 33.3% cases, and zinc was used 21.8% of diarrhea episodes. Conclusions: Diarrhea is a significant problem in under-five children from a rural area of India. In spite of existence of National Program for Control of Diarrheal Diseases (NPCDD) since four decades, management of diarrhea is not on track. Focusing on primary care provision to under-five children can help in bringing the management of diarrhea on track.

Automated summary

The study found that the period prevalence of diarrhea in rural under-five children in India was 35.9%, with the highest prevalence in the 0-12 month age group and the lowest in the 49-59 month age group. The study also revealed that a high proportion of cases were treated by unlicensed healthcare providers and a significant number received no treatment at all. While there has been a National Program for Control of Diarrheal Diseases in place for decades, the management of diarrhea in under-five children in rural India still faces challenges.