Prevalence and Associated Factors of Diaper Rash Among Infants and Toddlers Aged 2 to 24 Months in Ola During Children’s Hospital, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospital Complex, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Background: Diaper rash is a common dermatological condition in infant and toddlers. This condition is also commonly seen particularly among children with malnutrition at Ola During Children’s Hospital (ODCH), Freetown, Sierra Leone. However, the prevalence of this condition in Sierra Leone is not known. This study therefore was conducted to determine the prevalence of prevalence diaper rash and associated factors in infants and toddlers admitted to ODCH.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 269 children aged 2 to 24 months. A convenience sampling technique was used to select the subjects after verbal informed consent was obtained. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. All children were examined, and a description of the perineum was also documented at the time of recruitment. Analysis was done with IBM SPSS version 26.0. Results: The prevalence of diaper rash was 52%. The proportion of males with diaper rash compared to females was not statistically different. Artificial milk, cereal, malnutrition and immediate caregivers other than fathers were the factors significantly associated with diaper rash. Conclusion: The prevalence of diaper rash is high among infants and toddlers seen at the ODCH, Freetown, Sierra Leone. Factors associated with diaper rash include type of diet, nutritional status and immediate caregiver.