Diarrhea Among Children and the Household Conditions in a Low-Income Rural Community in the Jordan Valley

Objective: This study was conducted to explore the relationship between the occurrence of diarrhea in children and their household conditions in the Jordan Valley and to estimate the prevalence of diarrhea. Methods: This was a cross sectional study. The multistage random sampling technique was applied. The sample included 197 children corresponding to 71 households randomly selected in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in addition to observation. Diarrhea that occurred in the last two weeks before interview was the outcome variable. Household cleanliness and sanitary conditions were the primary independent variables measured in relation to diarrhea. Results: Overall diarrhea prevalence was 21.3%, and among children 5 years old was 19.1%. Significant factors (P 0.05) related to diarrhea occurrence included: mothers age and education, crowding index, extended vs. nuclear family, family income, family size, household, toilet, and kitchen cleanliness, tap water availability, sufficient supply of drinking water, cleaning water reservoir, cleanliness of adjacent outdoor, and adequacy of septic tanks. Conclusion: Mother s and family s characteristics in addition to household s sanitary conditions and adequacy of water supply were significant determinants of diarrhea occurrence.