Risk factors associated with recurrent diarrheal illnesses among children in Kabul, Afghanistan: a prospective cohort study

Prevalence and correlates of diarrhoea among children under five in selected coastal communities in Ghana

INTRODUCTION

Diarrhoea is a preventable disease affecting children under five years disproportionately. Globally, thousands of children die from diarrhoea related diseases each year, most deaths occuring in sub-Saharan Africa where Ghana is located. Coastal communities bear the greatest brunt due to poor sanitary conditions. We assess the prevalence of diarrhoea in selected coastal communities along the eastern coast of Ghana.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Mumford, Opetekwei, Anyako, Anyauni and Ateteti communities in the Central, Greater Accra and Volta region respectively. We interviewed households with children under five years on the occurrence of diarrhoea and health seeking practices. We also used a checklist to assess the sanitary conditions of the household. Frequencies and proportions were generated. We determined significant differences using modified Poisson regression models at p < 0.05. Results were presented in tables and text.

RESULTS

The prevalence ratio of diarrhoea was 36% (95% CI 33-40%). Most cases were from Anyako community. All interviewed households in Mumford and Opetekwei used improved water sources whiles 94% in Atetetio used improved water sources. Children who were fully vaccinated had 32% lower prevalence of diarrhoea compared to those who were not (aPR: 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.84).

CONCLUSION

Diarrhoea prevalence was high inspite of the reported use of improved water sources and sanitation facilities by majority of households in the communities. Fully vaccinated children had a relatively lower prevalence of diarrhoea compared to children who were not fully vaccinated. We recommend in-depth analysis of the use of water and sanitation facilities in these settings to understand the reasons for the observed diarrhoea prevalence.

A study to evaluate WASH interventions and risk factors of diarrhoea among children under five years, Anloga district, Ghana: A research protocol

INTRODUCTION

Good Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices, introduction of Rotavirus vaccination, zinc supplementation and improved nutrition have contributed significantly to the reduction of diarrhoea morbidity and mortality globally by 50%. In spite of these gains, diarrhoea still remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under-five. Causes of diarrhoea are multifaceted with many factors such as seasonality, behaviour, pathogenicity, epidemiology, etc. However, assessments on the causes of diarrhoea have generally been tackled in silos over the years focusing only on particular causes. In this study, we describe an integrated approach (evaluating WASH interventions implantation processes, assessing epidemiolocal risk factors, and identifying pathogens causing diarrhoea) for assessing determinants of diarrhoea.

METHODS

The study has ethical approval from the Ghana Health Service Ethical Review Committee (GHSERC:020/07/22). It will employ three approaches; a process evaluation and a case-control study and laboratory analysis of diarrhoea samples. The process evaluation will assess the detailed procedures taken by the Anloga district to implement WASH interventions. A desk review and qualitative interviews with WASH stakeholders purposively sampled will be done. The evaluation will provide insight into bottlenecks in the implementation processes. Transcribed interviews will be analysed thematically and data triangulated with reviews. A 1:1 unmatched case-control study with 206 cases and 206 controls to determine risk factors associated with diarrhoea in children under-five will also be done. Odds ratios at 5.0% significance level would be calculated. Stool samples of cases will be taken and tested for diarrhoea pathogens using Standard ELISA and TAQMAN Array Card laboratory procedures.

EXPECTED OUTCOME

It is expected that this framework proposed would become one of the robust approaches for assessing public health community interventions for diseases. Through the process evaluation, epidemiological case-control study and pathogen identification, we would be able to identify the gaps in the current diarrhoea assessments, come up with tailored recommendations considering the existing risk and assumptions and involve the relevant stakeholders in reducing the diarrhoea burden in a coastal setting in Ghana.

Risk Factors Associated with Diarrheal Episodes in an Agricultural Community in Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam: A Prospective Cohort Study

In Vietnam, data on the risk factors for diarrhea at the community level remain sparse. This study aimed to provide an overview of diarrheal diseases in an agricultural community in Vietnam, targeting all age groups. Specifically, we investigated the incidence of diarrheal disease at the community level and described the potential risk factors associated with diarrheal diseases. In this prospective cohort study, a total of 1508 residents were enrolled during the 54-week study period in northern Vietnam. The observed diarrheal incidence per person-year was 0.51 episodes. For children aged <5 years, the incidence per person-year was 0.81 episodes. Unexpectedly, the frequency of diarrhea was significantly higher among participants who used tap water for drinking than among participants who used rainwater. Participants who used a flush toilet had less frequent diarrhea than those who used a pit latrine. The potential risk factors for diarrhea included the source of water used in daily life, drinking water, and type of toilet. However, the direct reason for the association between potential risk factors and diarrhea was not clear. The infection routes of diarrheal pathogens in the environment remain to be investigated at this study site.

Effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on linear growth and other health outcomes among children under five years of age

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that is important for its role in calcium homeostasis to maintain skeletal health. Linear growth faltering and stunting remain pervasive indicators of poor nutrition status among infants and children under five years of age around the world, and low vitamin D status has been linked to poor growth. However, existing evidence on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on linear growth and other health outcomes among infants and children under five years of age has not been systematically reviewed.

OBJECTIVES

To assess effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on linear growth and other health outcomes among infants and children under five years of age.

SEARCH METHODS

In December 2019, we searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, 14 other electronic databases, and two trials registries. We also searched the reference lists of relevant publications for any relevant trials, and we contacted key organisations and authors to obtain information on relevant ongoing and unpublished trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs assessing the effects of oral vitamin D supplementation, with or without other micronutrients, compared to no intervention, placebo, a lower dose of vitamin D, or the same micronutrients alone (and not vitamin D) in infants and children under five years of age who lived in any country.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures.

MAIN RESULTS

Out of 75 studies (187 reports; 12,122 participants) included in the qualitative analysis, 64 studies (169 reports; 10,854 participants) contributed data on our outcomes of interest for meta-analysis. A majority of included studies were conducted in India, USA, and Canada. Two studies reported for-profit funding, two were categorised as receiving mixed funding (non-profit and for-profit), five reported that they received no funding, 26 did not disclose funding sources, and the remaining studies were funded by non-profit funding. Certainty of evidence varied between high and very low across outcomes (all measured at endpoint) for each comparison. Vitamin D supplementation versus placebo or no intervention (31 studies) Compared to placebo or no intervention, vitamin D supplementation (at doses 200 to 2000 IU daily; or up to 300,000 IU bolus at enrolment) may make little to no difference in linear growth (measured length/height in cm) among children under five years of age (mean difference (MD) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.37 to 1.68; 3 studies, 240 participants; low-certainty evidence); probably improves length/height-for-age z-score (L/HAZ) (MD 0.11, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.22; 1 study, 1258 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); and probably makes little to no difference in stunting (risk ratio (RR) 0.90, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.01; 1 study, 1247 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). In terms of adverse events, vitamin D supplementation results in little to no difference in developing hypercalciuria compared to placebo (RR 2.03, 95% CI 0.28 to 14.67; 2 studies, 68 participants; high-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether vitamin D supplementation impacts the development of hypercalcaemia as the certainty of evidence was very low (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.90; 2 studies, 367 participants). Vitamin D supplementation (higher dose) versus vitamin D (lower dose) (34 studies) Compared to a lower dose of vitamin D (100 to 1000 IU daily; or up to 300,000 IU bolus at enrolment), higher-dose vitamin D supplementation (200 to 6000 IU daily; or up to 600,000 IU bolus at enrolment) may have little to no effect on linear growth, but we are uncertain about this result (MD 1.00, 95% CI -2.22 to 0.21; 5 studies, 283 participants), and it may make little to no difference in L/HAZ (MD 0.40, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.86; 2 studies, 105 participants; low-certainty evidence). No studies evaluated stunting. As regards adverse events, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation may make little to no difference in developing hypercalciuria (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.35; 6 studies, 554 participants; low-certainty evidence) or in hypercalcaemia (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.89 to 2.18; 5 studies, 986 participants; low-certainty evidence) compared to lower-dose vitamin D supplementation. Vitamin D supplementation (higher dose) + micronutrient(s) versus vitamin D (lower dose) + micronutrient(s) (9 studies) Supplementation with a higher dose of vitamin D (400 to 2000 IU daily, or up to 300,000 IU bolus at enrolment) plus micronutrients, compared to a lower dose (200 to 2000 IU daily, or up to 90,000 IU bolus at enrolment) of vitamin D with the same micronutrients, probably makes little to no difference in linear growth (MD 0.60, 95% CI -3.33 to 4.53; 1 study, 25 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). No studies evaluated L/HAZ or stunting. In terms of adverse events, higher-dose vitamin D supplementation with micronutrients, compared to lower-dose vitamin D with the same micronutrients, may make little to no difference in developing hypercalciuria (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.48; 1 study, 86 participants; low-certainty evidence) and probably makes little to no difference in developing hypercalcaemia (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.90, 1.11; 2 studies, 126 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Four studies measured hyperphosphataemia and three studies measured kidney stones, but they reported no occurrences and therefore were not included in the comparison for these outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that oral vitamin D supplementation may result in little to no difference in linear growth, stunting, hypercalciuria, or hypercalcaemia, compared to placebo or no intervention, but may result in a slight increase in length/height-for-age z-score (L/HAZ). Additionally, evidence suggests that compared to lower doses of vitamin D, with or without micronutrients, vitamin D supplementation may result in little to no difference in linear growth, L/HAZ, stunting, hypercalciuria, or hypercalcaemia. Small sample sizes, substantial heterogeneity in terms of population and intervention parameters, and high risk of bias across many of the included studies limit our ability to confirm with any certainty the effects of vitamin D on our outcomes. Larger, well-designed studies of long duration (several months to years) are recommended to confirm whether or not oral vitamin D supplementation may impact linear growth in children under five years of age, among both those who are healthy and those with underlying infectious or non-communicable health conditions.

Determinants of diarrhea in children under the age of five in Afghanistan: a secondary analysis of the Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey 2015

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of under-five mortality and globally accounts for 526,000 child deaths every year. Afghanistan, with 33,000 child deaths in 2012, was ranked 8^th among nations, with the highest under-five deaths being from pneumonia and diarrhea. This study aimed to identify the determinants of diarrhea in children under the age of five in Afghanistan. A secondary data analysis of the Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey (AfDHS) 2015 was focused on diarrhea in children under the age of five. The dataset of the AfDHS 2015 was used for the analysis. The subjects for this study were 30,238 under-five children. A logistic regression model was applied to examine the determinants of childhood diarrhea. This study found that 7,921 (26.2%) out of 30,238 under-five children had diarrhea within the two weeks preceding the survey. Higher maternal education accompanied a lower risk of childhood diarrhea with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 0.70 (P<0.01) than did no education. Flush toilets (AOR=0.84, P<0.01) and traditional dry vaults (AOR=0.83, P<0.001) were less likely associated with diarrhea compared with pit latrines. Tube wells, public taps, and unprotected wells and springs were sources of drinking water with a higher risk of diarrhea than piped water. This study identified that the type of toilet facility, source of drinking water, age of the child, and maternal education were important determinants of under-five diarrhea. Intervention programs concerning improved sanitation facilities, sources of drinking water, and raising women’s level of education and health awareness are important.

Diarrheal Diseases in Under-Five Children and Associated Factors among Farta District Rural Community, Amhara Regional State, North Central Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Diarrheal diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. One of the national initiatives to reduce its burden is an implementation of an open-defecation-free program. However, information related to the comparison of diarrheal diseases among residents in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free. Hence, this study assessed the magnitude of diarrheal diseases among residents in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free areas of Farta District, North Central Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 758 households (378 in open-defecation-free and 380 in non-open-defecation-free kebeles) who have under-five children using a structured questionnaire. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with diarrheal diseases in the district.

Results

Overall, 29.9% of children had diarrheal diseases in the last two weeks prior to the study. The magnitude of diarrheal diseases among under-five children living in open-defecation-free and non-open-defecation-free residents was 19.3% and 40.5%, respectively. Lack of functional handwashing facilities (AOR: 11, 95% CI (8.1–29.6)), improper excreta disposal (AOR: 3.84, 95% CI (2.15–5.65)), and residing in non-open-defecation-free areas (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI (1.72–3.23)) were factors associated with diarrheal diseases.

Conclusions

The prevalence of diarrhea among children residing in open-defecation-free areas was lower than that among children those who resided in non-open-defecation-free areas. Lack of functional handwashing facilities, residing in non-open-defecation-free areas, and improper excreta disposal were significantly associated with diarrheal diseases in the district. Strengthening health promotion on non-open defecation, maintaining functional handwashing facilities, and preparing additional handwashing facilities are necessary. Continuous engagement of the community health extension workers is recommended, sustaining the implementation of open-defecation-free programs in the district.

Association of mother's handwashing practices and pediatric diarrhea: evidence from a multi-country study on community oriented interventions

Introduction

Improved hand hygiene in contexts with high levels of diarrheal diseases has shown to reduce diarrheal episodes in children under five years. A quasi-experimental multi-country study with matched comparisons was conducted in four rural districts/sub districts in Cambodia, Guatemala, Kenya and Zambia.

Methods

Community oriented interventions including health promotion for appropriate hand washing was implemented in the intervention sites, through community health workers (CHW) and social accountability mechanisms. Community councils were strengthened/established in all study sites. Using household surveys, information on mother’s handwashing practices and diarrhea incidence of children 2 weeks preceding the study was obtained.

Results and Conclusion

Access to safe drinking water was reportedly higher for communities in Guatemala and Zambia (> 80%), than those in Cambodia and Kenya (< 63%), with significantly higher levels in intervention sites for Guatemala and Kenya. Improved sanitation was low (< 10%), for Kenya and Zambia, compared to Cambodia and Guatemala (> 40%); intervention sites reporting significantly higher levels, except for Zambia. Hand washing index; hand washing before food preparation, after defecation, attending to a child after defecation, and before feeding children was significantly higher for intervention sites in Cambodia, Guatemala and Kenya (Cambodia, 2.4 vs 2.2, p < 0.001, Guatemala, 3.0 vs 2.5, p < 0.001, Kenya, 2.6 vs 2.3, p < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with lower odds of diarrhea were; mother’s marital status, higher educational status, one or more handwashing practices, wealthier quintiles, older (> 24 m), and female children. The findings suggest that caretaker handwashing with soap or ash has a protective effect on prevalence of diarrhea in children.

Incidence of Intestinal Infectious Diseases due to Protozoa and Bacteria in Mexico: Analysis of National Surveillance Records from 2003 to 2012

Background

According to national epidemiological surveillance records, in Mexico six intestinal infectious diseases (IID) are among the top infectious communicable diseases. However, their incidence, relative importance, and spatial patterns have not been studied in detail.

Aims

We examine the epidemiology of IID due to bacteria and protozoa to identify which diseases are most important at two spatial scales, what is their integrated importance locally, and how their incidence correlates with Human Development Index (HDI).

Methods

We retrieved yearly number of new cases of eight IID from the national epidemiological morbidity report from 2003 to 2012 at the national level, by state, and to assess such information at a higher spatial resolution we included the municipalities for Mexico City. However, no comparisons were made to other municipalities due to unavailability of data. We compared incidence, obtained the disease-specific relative importance, and inspected spatial patterns for the integrated incidence. Finally, we tested whether HDI is correlated with incidence.

Results

We found that, except for two diseases, the relative importance of the other six IID contrasted not only between the national level and Mexico City, but also among states and municipalities in Mexico City. Besides, at both scales the distribution of the incidence showed disease-specific spatial patterns. Finally, there was a lack of consistent correlation between HDI and individual IID at both scales.

Conclusion

Our results emphasize the need for local disease-focused selective models for control and prevention of IID. The maps displaying our analyses of epidemiological similarities may be used in orienting such effort.

Validation of primer for promoting maternal self-efficacy in preventing childhood diarrhea

ABSTRACT Objective: to validate an educational primer, regarding content and design, for promoting maternal self-efficacy in preventing childhood diarrhea. Method: methodological study composed of 31 mothers of children under five years of age, in which the validation of the primer You can prevent diarrhea in your child! was carried out from the Content Validity Index (CVI), being evaluated as to the domains understanding, attractiveness, self-efficacy, cultural acceptance, and persuasion. Results: the primer was considered relevant and clear, with average concordance of 99.4% and 99.8%, respectively. The overall CVI was of 0.99, evidencing satisfactory level of agreement between the mothers. The assessment of domains generated satisfactory results. Conclusion: the primer was considered valid by the target audience; thus, it can be implemented for promoting maternal confidence to prevent childhood diarrhea.

The global problem of childhood diarrhoeal diseases: emerging strategies in prevention and management

Acute diarrhoeal diseases remain a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality particularly among young children in resource-limited countries. Recent large studies utilizing case-control design, prospective sampling and more sensitive and broad diagnostic techniques have shed light on particular pathogens of importance and highlighted the previously under recognized impact of these infections on post-acute illness mortality and growth. Vaccination, particularly against rotavirus, has emerged as a key effective means of preventing significant morbidity and mortality from childhood diarrhoeal disease. Other candidate vaccines against leading diarrhoeal pathogens, such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Shigella spp., also hold significant promise in further ameliorating the burden of enteric infections in children. Large studies are also currently underway evaluating novel and potential easy-to-implement water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) preventive strategies. Given the ongoing global burden of this illness, the paucity of new advances in case management over the last several decades remains a challenge. The increasing recognition of post-acute illness mortality and growth impairment has highlighted the need for interventions that go beyond management of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. The few trials of novel promising interventions such as probiotics have mainly been conducted in high-income settings. Trials of antimicrobials have also been primarily conducted in high-income settings or in travellers from high-income settings. Bloody diarrhoea has been shown to be a poor marker of potentially treatable bacterial enteritis, and rising antimicrobial resistance has also made empiric antimicrobial therapy more challenging in many settings. Novel effective and sustainable interventions and diagnostic strategies are clearly needed to help improve case management. Diarrhoeal disease and other enteric infections remain an unmet challenge in global child health. Most promising recent developments have been focused around preventive measures, in particular vaccination. Further advances in prevention and case management including the possible use of targeted antimicrobial treatment are also required to fully address this critical burden on child health and human potential.

Factors associated with diarrheal morbidity among under-five children in Jigjiga town, Somali Regional State, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of underfive diarrhea in Somali Regional State, Ethiopia is one of the highest in the country. This study attempted to examine the multiple factors associated with underfive diarrhea and how they might influence its prevalence in Jigjiga, Somali regional state, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 15 to 28, 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 492 mothers via household survey. A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interview. Ethical clearance was obtained before data collection. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

The two weeks prevalence of under five diarrhea in Jigjiga town was 14.6%. Up on multivariable analysis, maternal educational level of primary school and above was found to be protective against childhood diarrhea [AOR: 0.227(0.100-0.517)] whereas, unavailability of water [AOR: 2.124(1.231-3.664)] and lack of hand washing facility [AOR: 1.846(1.013-3.362)] were associated with diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Poor water supply, lack of hand washing facilities and lack of formal maternal education were associated with underfive diarrhea in the study area. Improved access to water supply along with environmental health intervention programs designed to promote good hygiene behavior could be of paramount importance to alleviate burden of childhood diarrhea.

Ending Preventable Child Deaths from Pneumonia and Diarrhoea in Afghanistan: An Analysis of Intervention Coverage Scenarios Using the Lives Saved Tool

Background. Despite improvements in child health, Afghanistan still has a heavy burden of deaths due to preventable causes: 17% of under-5 deaths are due to pneumonia and 12% are due to diarrhoea. Objective. This article describes the situation of childhood pneumonia and diarrhoea in Afghanistan, including efforts to prevent, protect, and treat the two diseases. It estimates lives saved by scaling up interventions. Methods. A secondary analysis of data was conducted and future scenarios were modelled to estimate lives saved by scaling up a package of interventions. Results. The analysis reveals that 10,795 additional child deaths could be averted with a moderate scale-up of interventions, decreasing the under-five mortality rate in Afghanistan from 55 per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 40 per 1,000 in 2020. In an ambitious scale-up scenario, an additional 15,096 lives could be saved. There would be a 71% reduction in child deaths due to these two causes between 2016 and 2020 in the ambitious scenario compared to 47% reduction in the moderate scenario. Conclusion. Significant reductions in child mortality can be achieved through scale-up of essential interventions to prevent and treat pneumonia and diarrhoea. Strengthened primary health care functions and multisector collaboration on child health are suggested.

Hygienic practices and diarrheal illness among persons living in at-risk settings in Kabul, Afghanistan: a cross-sectional study

Background

Sustained civil and military conflict, resulting in large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDP), in combination with rapid urbanization has strained public health and sanitation within cities in Afghanistan. In order to examine the association between preventive sanitary behaviors and diarrhea within two high risk settings located within Kabul, Afghanistan, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hygienic practices and diarrheal illness in an IDP camp and an urban slum.

Methods

In this cross sectional study, a convenience sample of residents of an IDP camp and an urban slum in Kabul, Afghanistan, was used. Participants were asked to describe their hygienic practices and interviewers independently documented household sanitation. The knowledge and attitudes about and practice of hygienic activities to prevent diarrhea were compared between the two settings.

Results

Two hundred participants, 100 from each setting, were enrolled. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding hygienic activities to prevent diarrhea were greater among the slum dwellers than the IDP. Fewer than half of participants washed their hands with soap before eating or after eating: 31 % of slum dwellers washed before eating compared to 11 % of IDPs (P = 0.0050), and 25 % of slum dwellers washed after defecating compared to 4 % of IDPs (P = 0.0020). The IDPs were more likely to share a latrine (P = 0.0144) and less likely to disinfect their latrine than slum dwellers. Diarrhea in the household within the past 3 months was more common in the IDP camp (54 %) than the slum (20 %) (P = 0.0020).

Conclusions

Even though certain sanitary and hygienic practices were more common among slum dwellers than IDPs, the lack of hygienic activities in both setting indicates that interventions to change behavior, like increasing the availability of soap and encouraging hand washing, are needed. Any initiative will have to be developed in the context of pervasive illiteracy among persons in both of these settings.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1789-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

On-plot drinking water supplies and health: A systematic review

Many studies have found that household access to water supplies near or within the household plot can reduce the probability of diarrhea, trachoma, and other water-related diseases, and it is generally accepted that on-plot water supplies produce health benefits for households. However, the body of research literature has not been analyzed to weigh the evidence supporting this. A systematic review was conducted to investigate the impacts of on-plot water supplies on diarrhea, trachoma, child growth, and water-related diseases, to further examine the relationship between household health and distance to water source and to assess whether on-plot water supplies generate health gains for households. Studies provide evidence that households with on-plot water supplies experience fewer diarrheal and helminth infections and greater child height. Findings suggest that water-washed (hygiene associated) diseases are more strongly impacted by on-plot water access than waterborne diseases. Few studies analyzed the effects of on-plot water access on quantity of domestic water used, hygiene behavior, and use of multiple water sources, and the lack of evidence for these relationships reveals an important gap in current literature. The review findings indicate that on-plot water access is a useful health indicator and benchmark for the progressive realization of the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal safe water access as well as the human right to safe water.

Hand washing behavior and associated factors in Vietnam based on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, 2010-2011

Background

Handwashing is a cost-effective way of preventing communicable diseases such as respiratory and food-borne illnesses. However, handwashing rates are low in developing countries. Target 7C of the seventh Millennium Development Goals was to increase by half the proportion of people with sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015. Studies have found that better access to improved water sources and sanitation is associated with higher rates of handwashing.

Objective

Our goal was to describe handwashing behaviour and identify the associated factors in Vietnamese households.

Design

Data from 12,000 households participating in the Vietnam Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2011 were used. The survey used a multistage sampling method to randomly select 100 clusters and 20 households per cluster. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from a household representative. Demographic variables, the presence of a specific place for handwashing, soap and water, access to improved sanitation, and access to improved water sources were tested for association with handwashing behaviour in logistic regression.

Results

Almost 98% of households had a specific place for handwashing, and 85% had cleansing materials and water at such a place. The prevalence of handwashing in the sample was almost 85%. Educational level, ethnicity of the household head, and household wealth were factors associated with handwashing practice (p<0.05). Those having access to an improved sanitation facility were more likely to practise handwashing [odds ratio (OR)=1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–2.09, p<0.001], as were those with access to improved water sources (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.37–2.21, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Households with low education, low wealth, belonging to ethnic minorities, and with low access to improved sanitation facilities and water sources should be targeted for interventions implementing handwashing practice. In addition, the availability of soap and water at handwashing sites should be increased and practical teaching programs should be deployed in order to increase handwashing rates.

Acute malnutrition among under-five children in Faryab, Afghanistan: prevalence and causes

Acute malnutrition affects more than 50 million under-five (U5) children, causing 8.0% of global child deaths annually. The prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) among U5 children in Afghanistan was 9.5% nationally and 3.7% in Faryab province in 2013. A cross-sectional study was conducted for 600 households in Faryab to find the prevalence and causes of acute malnutrition. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a logistic model. Demographic results of this study showed that 54.0% of the household heads and 92.3% of the mothers had no education. Three-fourths of households had a monthly income ≤ 250 USD. According to the measurement of weight for height Z-score (WHZ), 35.0% (210/600) of the children had acute malnutrition (wasting, WHZ < -2). In more than half of the households, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions were poor. When adjusted, a significant association of acute malnutrition among U5 children was found with the education level of household heads (OR=1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.17), age of household heads (OR=2.01; 95% CI, 1.21-3.35), income (OR=1.66; 95% CI, 1.04-2.27), education level of mothers (OR=2.21; 95% CI, 1.00-4.88), age of children (OR=1.99; 95% CI, 1.32-2.93), history of children with diarrhea in the last two weeks of data collection (OR=1.57; 95% CI, 1.10-2.27), feeding frequency (OR=3.01; 95% CI, 1.21-7.46), water sources (OR=1.89; 95% CI, 1.26-2.83), and iodized salt (OR=0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.88). The present study indicated that an increase in education level of parents, household income, and quality of WASH would result in a significant decrease in prevalence of wasting among U5 children.

Burden of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases in Middle East and North Africa: Results of Global Burden of Diseases Study from 1990 to 2010

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal and liver diseases (GILDs) are major causes of death and disability in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). However, they have different patterns in countries with various geographical, cultural, and socio-economic status. We aimed to compare the burden of GILDs in Iran with its neighboring countries using the results of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study in 2010. METHODS Classic metrics of GBD have been used including: age-standardized rates (ASRs) of death, years of life lost due to premature death (YLL), years of life lost due to disability (YLD), and disability adjusted life years (DALY). All countries neighboring Iran have been selected. In addition, all other countries classified in the MENA region were included. Five major groups of gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases were studied including: infections of gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal and pancreatobilliary cancers, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other digestive diseases. RESULTS The overall burden of GILDs is highest in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Egypt. Diarrheal diseases have been replaced by gastrointestinal cancers and cirrhosis in most countries in the region. However, in a number of countries including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Egypt, and Yemen, communicable GILDs are still among top causes of mortality and morbidity in addition to non-communicable GILDs and cancers. These countries are experiencing the double burden. In Iran, burden caused by cancers of stomach and esophagus are considerably higher than other countries. Diseases that are mainly diagnosed in outpatient settings have not been captured by GBD. CONCLUSION Improving the infrastructure of health care system including cancer registries and electronic recording of outpatient care is a necessity for better surveillance of GILDs in MENA. In contrast to expensive treatment, prevention of most GILDs is feasible and inexpensive. The health care systems in the region can be strengthened for prevention and control.