Association between WASH-Related Behaviors and Knowledge with Childhood Diarrhea in Tanzania

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Margaret Fullmer¹  Natalie Bennion¹  Cougar Hall¹  Emily Allen¹  Gwen Kleinhenz¹  Benjamin Crookston¹  Joshua West¹  Mary Linehan²  Kirk Dearden²  Generose Mulokozi³  Scott Torres⁴ 

[1] Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA;IMA World Health, 1730 M St NW 1100, Washington, DC 20036, USA;IMA World Health, Nyalali Curve, PO Box 9260, Plot 1657, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;RTI International, 701 13th St NW 750, Washington, DC 20005, USA;

关键词: WASH;    diarrhea;    knowledge;    behavior;    communication campaign;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph18094681

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: Diarrhea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Tanzania. The purpose of this study was to explore associations between diarrheal disease and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) related behaviors and determine care-seeking predictors for diarrheal disease. Methods: Data from 9996 female primary caregivers were collected as part of a larger integrated nutrition program. Logistic regression was used to measure associations between predictor and dependent variables and diarrheal and care-seeking outcomes. Results: Knowledge of the importance of handwashing after assisting a child who has defecated (OR 0.79, CI 0.72–0.87), before preparing food (OR 0.88, CI 0.80–0.97), and before feeding a child (OR 0.89, CI 0.81–0.99) were each associated with not having a child with diarrhea in the past two weeks. Fathers or male caregivers (OR 0.65, CI 0.48–0.89) were less likely to seek medical care for a child with diarrhea. No associations were found between WASH-related knowledge or behavior and seeking medical care for a child with diarrhea. Conclusions: Findings indicate that knowledge of handwashing importance was significant in washing hands after assisting a child who has defecated, before preparing food, and prior to feeding a child. These findings demonstrate the value of parental involvement to lower morbidity and mortality among children.

【 授权许可】

Unknown