PriMera Scientific Medicine and Public Health (ISSN: 2833-5627)

Case Study

Volume 5 Issue 6

Prevalence of Diarrhea in Children and Water Management Practices in Rural Households in Tshopo Province, DRC: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Eugene Basandja Longembe*, Jean Panda Lukongo Kitronza and Joris Losimba Likwela

November 22, 2024

DOI : 10.56831/PSMPH-05-180

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Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of diarrhea as well as the conditions of water supply and management in households with a view to preparing a diarrhea control intervention.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on an exhaustive sample of 237 households from two villages in the Tshopo province of the DRC, during the period from July 16 to 23, 2023. Statistics were performed using Pearson Chi-square, Fisher Exact, t-Student and Wilcoxon Mann Whitney tests, according to their conditions of application.

Results: The prevalence of diarrhoea in children aged 0-59 months was 21% (95% CI: 17%-25%). Unimproved sources (93%) were the main source of water supply. The population was aware of poor water quality (73%), believed that it was possible to treat water (90%) and were in favour of treating it (97%). However, only 3% of the population actually treated it. Storing water in unhygienic containers (43%), storing water on the ground (100%) and keeping it for more than 24 hours (51%) were common practices. All variables of sample characteristics, knowledge and observed practices were not statistically different between the two study villages (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of diarrhoea is high in both villages surveyed. The population is aware of the poor quality of source water and is willing to treat this water. Intervention is expected on water treatment and safe management to reduce the high incidence of diarrhoea.

Keywords: diarrhea; water treatment; secure management; Tshopo; DRC

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