Prevalence and factors associated with rota-virus diarrhea among children aged 3-24 months at a referral hospital in Uganda: A crossectional study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Rota-virus, the most common cause of severe acute diarrhea in the world, has a significant morbidity and mortality in children under two years. The impact of rotavirus immunization in Uganda is not well established. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity of dehydration and factors associated with Rota-virus diarrhea among children aged 3 to 24 months at Fort Portal Regional Referral hospital. Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study done between December 2022 and February 2023. Stool specimens were tested for rotavirus infection using rapid immunochromatographic assay test. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 with logistic regression done to determine the factors. Results: Out of 268 children with acute watery diarrhea, 133 (49.6%) were females, aged ≤ 12 months 177 (66.0%). Children who were positive for rotavirus infection were 42 (15.7%), majority of whom had some dehydration 28(66.7%). The factors that were significantly associated with Rota-virus diarrhea at multivariable level were; age less than 12 months (AOR = 8.866, CI = 1.549–50.738, P = 0.014), male gender (AOR = 0.083, CI = 0.019–0.356, P = 0.001), coming from a home with another person with diarrhea (AOR = 17.821, CI = 3.484–91.166, P = 0.001) or a home where the water source was a well (AOR = 50.170, CI = 4.401–71.966, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The prevalence of Rota-virus diarrhea was three times less in the post Rota-virus vaccination period compared to pre-rota vaccination period. Majority of the participants with rotavirus diarrhea had some dehydration. There is need for provision of safe water sources to all homes. Surveillance to determine the cause of the non rota diarrhea should be done.