Case-Control Study of Acute Diarrhea in Children Referred to Dr Sheykh Hospital, Mashhad in 2006

To determine the risk factors for acute diarrhea disease in children. This study involved 220 cases and 220 controls in Dr. Sheykh Hospital, a specialzed pediatric hospital in Mashhad. Cases were children seen in the emergency department with loose watery feces, diagnosed as acute diarrhea by the physician. The controls were selected from the same setting as the cases and included children with traumas, burns, acute respiratory complaints and other diseases. In univariate logistic regression, variables having a significant relationship with acute diarrhea disease included formula feeding in the first 6 months of life, antibiotic therapy over the preceding 15 days, mother's employment, mother's acquaintance with oral rehydration solutions, place of residence, and disruption in the water supply in the week before illness. We performed multiple logistic regression to examine the role of these variables as independent risk factors for acute diarrhea. Use of formulas before 6 months of age (OR=3.21, 95%CI: 1.77-5.79), and type of residence (OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.24-2.71), and mother's employment (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.2-5.06) were the factors that remained in the multiple logistic model and had a significant relationship with the disease. This study identified some environmental risk factors for acute diarrhea disease. High-risk groups and mothers of children under 5 years of age should be aware of these risk factors in order to prevent disease in their children. Prevention of acute diarrhea in children can significantly reduce the current burden on the health system.