Abstract:
Diarrhea was ranked the third prevalent disease in West Pokot
County. It can lead to death and nutritional problems like
stunted growth and underweight in children if not checked.
The aim was to determine various factors contributing to the
occurrence of diarrhea in children aged below five years in
Chewoyet sub-location, Kapenguria municipality. Chewoyet
sub-location, Kapenguria municipality, West Pokot sub-
county was the study area where cross-sectional study design
adopted. The Study populations were all children aged below
5 years, their mothers and caregivers. Data collection was
done through Questionnaires and key informant interviews.
SPSS version 18.0 was used to analyze the Data and
presented by use of charts, graphs and tables. Majority (n=48,
61%) of the children were male with most (89%) of the
mothers being 15-34 years. 61% of the children had suffered
from diarrhea within the last six months, mostly in dry
season. More male children (63%) had suffered from diarrhea
averagely lasting 3-5 days and dependent on gender
(p=0.017) with male children suffering more. Most mothers
(92%) knew the causes of diarrhea and that it can be
prevented but had poor hygiene practices. Majority (54%) did
not treat water before drinking. Majority of the households
had never received water treatment chemicals from the
hospital. This was associated with occurrence of diarrhea in
children (p=0.033). In conclusion, most mothers were aware
of prevention of diarrhea but had poor hygiene practices.
Little supply of water treatment products coupled with the
growing population had resulted in reduced water quality
hence higher risk of diarrhea. The study recommended
monitoring exposure of children in their environments and
seeking prompt medication. The Public health departments to
conduct a comprehensive urban led total sanitation as well as
ensure distribution of subsidized water treatment chemicals
and adequate safe water supply.
