EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS ON ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: There has been a continued major source of morbidity and mortality in children globally, and particularly in developing countries, acute gastroenteritis (AGE). This condition has a close association with demographic, environmental and behavioral risk factors.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic, environmental, and behavior risks that cause AGE in children 0-5 years in Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Material and Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out for a period of 6 months from November 2024 to April 2025 Hyderabad, Pakistan with the help of 339 children aged 0-5 years. Data were obtained from primary sources and variables (age, gender, maternal education, housing type, household size, maternal literacy, water and sanitation hygiene, breastfeeding, and dietary practices) were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were children aged 0-5 years with diagnosis of AGE while children with chronic gastrointestinal problems excluded.

Results: The results indicated that those aged between 0 to 1 years old were at the highest risk of AGE with a much higher incidence of AGE in males than females. Maternal education, housing type and household size were found to have an impact on the prevalence of AGE. Unhygienic sanitation and unsanitary water supplies were very closely linked to increased AGE occurrence. Also, improved hygiene routines such as hand washing and sanitizing surfaces were associated with a lower AGE rate. It was also established that nutritional habits such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy consumption, were associated with AGE reduction, whereas processed foods and sugary drinks were associated with risks of AGE.

Conclusion: The research emphasizes the key role of maternal education, as well as practices of environmental sanitation and dietary habits in the prevention of AGE in children. Public health programs should prioritize hygiene, water sanitation, and nutrition for reducing the burden of AGE, especially those of socio-economically disadvantaged groups