Diarrheal Effects among Children under Five Years of Age on Health Systems Performance in Western Kenya: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Stanley Aranda; Charles Angira; Thomas Ondimu; Fred Amimo

Stanley Aranda
Charles Angira
Thomas Ondimu
Fred Amimo

Keywords: cognitive, diarrheal, dehydration, effects, stunting

Abstract

Background: Annually, there are approximately 2.39 billion cases of diarrheal conditions, posing a significant global health issue. Diarrhea has significant effects on health system performance. This study aimed to assess the effects of diarrheal conditions on health systems performance in Migori County, western Kenya, specifically among children under the age of five years.

Methods: A fascinating cross-sectional descriptive study was meticulously carried out. The study involved conducting a detailed descriptive analysis and utilizing the chi-square test of independence to explore the relationship between variables in a univariate analysis. By employing logistic regression, we conducted a bivariate analysis to explore the relationship between independent variables and the outcome. Additionally, we performed a multivariate analysis to account for any potential confounding factors.

Results: Out of the 334 children, majority (58%) were female, with a mean age of 32 months. The predictors which significantly predicted the outcome were; stunting growth (cOR=1.47; p=0.009, aOR=1.53; p=0.014), reducing cognitive development (cOR=1.42; p=0.007, aOR=1.49; p =0.011) and dehydration (cOR=1.51; p=0.018, aOR=1.59; p=0.021). Regression modeling had a significant prediction performance [X²(5, N=334 = 11.36, p=0.005)] and were significantly good predictors of the outcome variable (R²=0.862).

Conclusion: Diarrheal effects significantly predicted the performance of health systems. Community-based health education about the effects attributed to diarrhea and strengthening diarrheal prevention strategies could significantly reduce pressure exerted on the health systems.

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