Predictors of under Five Years Old Diarrhoeal Disease in Mataniko Informal Settlements in Solomon Islands

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea remains a serious health problem among children under five years (U5y) in the world. Though diarrhoea is a preventable disease, U5y are often at high risk to diarrhoea infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictors of diarrhoeal disease among children U5y, in Mataniko informal settlements, in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

METHODS: A prospective cross sectional study was conducted at three out of the six randomly selected Mataniko informal settlements situated along the Mataniko River corridor, in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Caregivers with children U5y were included in this study. A total of 205 caregivers being interviewed using a pre-tested survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, followed by binary logistic regression to explore the relationship between the investigated variables. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: The results of this study showed that 45.9% of all caregivers had reported that their U5y children had suffered with at least one episode of diarrhoea within the last 2 weeks prior to the study. Age of children, number of U5y children per caregiver, and fortnightly income level below $1500 (SBD) were significantly associated with under-five diarrhoea (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study showed different factors which were associated with U5y diarrhoea in Solomon Islands. To address these exposures, relevant programmes and preventive strategies should be considered.