Seasonal Distribution of Diarrhea among Children aged 1-5 Years in Slums of Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Door to Door Survey

INTRODUCTION: Diarrhea, a water borne disease is very prevalent in children under 5 years of age and lead to serious consequences among them if not treated on time. AIM: To assess the Seasonal Distribution of diarrhea among children aged 1-5 years in slums of southern IndiaMATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was a planned door to door survey via a standard, pre-validated and pre-tested questionnaire among the slums the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Data was collected from the mothers/caretakers of children aged 1-5 years regarding Diarrheal episodes in the past one year. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22.0 and by applying the independent samples t-test as well as the multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 2684 children were reported having diarrhea, out of which there were slightly more females (52.1%) as compared to males (47.9%). 55.1% of children were treated at home, while 34.2% needed consultation and 10.7% required hospitalization. Most cases were reported in the monsoon season (39.3%), followed by summer (30.6%), winter(22.5%) and autumn (7.6%). The independent samples t-test (p=0.03) as well as the multivariate logistic regression (p=0.01) showed significant results while comparing the occurrence of diarrhea in monsoon seasons in comparison to other seasons.CONCLUSION: Further studies are advised among slum dwellers so that proper and tailor made programs can be directed in reducing the effect of diarrhea in children residing in slums in southern India