Prevalence of diarrheal illness and healthcare-seeking behavior by age-group and sex among the population of Gaza strip: a community-based cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health

Mahdi Hadi¹  Samer Abuzerr²  Ramin Nabizadeh³  Amir Hossein Mahvi³  Simin Nasseri³  Masud Yunesian³  Ayman Abu Mustafa⁴ 

[1] Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences;Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, International Campus, Tehran University of Medical Sciences;Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences;Department of Research, Directorate General of Human Resources Development, Ministry of Health;

关键词: Behavior;    Diarrheal illness;    Gaza strip;    Healthcare seeking;    Water source;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12889-019-7070-0

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background In the Gaza strip, diarrhea is one of main reasons for children visiting primary healthcare centers. Hence, we investigate predictors of the diarrheal illness and health care-seeking behavior among different age groups. Methods This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2017 to June 2018 among 1857 households. A pretested structured questionnaire included information about socio-demographic, sanitation, hygiene, source of water, diarrheal illness, and seeking healthcare in households was administered to head of household. To achieve representativeness for the five Gaza’s governorates, a cluster random sampling was applied. Results Of the 1857 household’s heads, 421 (22.7%) reported an episode of diarrhea during the 48 h preceding the interview resulting an overall prevalence rate of 3.8 per 100 individuals. The prevalence of diarrhea was statistical significant greater in males (5.4/100) compared to females (1.3/100) in all age groups (p <  0.05). Socio-demographic, economic, water, sanitation, and hygiene factors were predictors of the diarrheal illness and seeking of non-professional healthcare for diarrhea illness treatment among. A transition behavior from professional to non-professional and vice versa in seeking healthcare in each diarrheal episode was found. Conclusions We recommend improving the status of water, sanitation, and hygiene in the Gaza strip’s households to reduce diarrhea among the population of Gaza strip. Community sensitization about the importance of seeking care at primary health centers because treatment of children is available for free or in low costs.

【 授权许可】

Unknown