Predictors of Diarrhea Among Children Under the Age of Five Years in Ghana: Multivariate analysis of data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Abstract Background Globally, childhood diarrhea is a major public health concern. Despite numerous interventions that have been put in place to reduce its incidence over the years, childhood diarrhea remains a problem and is the fourth leading cause of child mortality in Ghana. This study examined the predictors of diarrhea among children under the age of five in Ghana. Methods Data from the Ghana Demographic and Health survey, a cross-sectional study, was used for the purpose of this study. A total of 2,547 children under the age of five were included in this study from the 2014 GDHS. Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the factors associated with childhood diarrhea and ascertain explanatory variables. Results The prevalence of diarrhea was 11.7%. Children aged younger than 35 months of age, maternal age and education, sex of children and region of residence were the predictors of diarrhea among children under the age of five years in this study. Conclusion To lessen the prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in Ghana, existing interventions must be evaluated in the context of the predictors identified. Various stakeholders including government and non-governmental agencies should take into account the predictors of diarrhea established in the design of interventions to effectively reduce morbidity and mortality associated with childhood diarrhea.