Health care-seeking behavior during childhood diarrheal illness: results of health care utilization and attitudes surveys of caretakers in western Kenya, 2007-2010

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Jul;89(1 Suppl):29-40. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0755. Epub 2013 Apr 29.

Abstract

We interviewed caretakers of 1,043 children < 5 years old in a baseline cross-sectional survey (April to May 2007) and > 20,000 children on five separate subsequent occasions (May of 2009 to December 31, 2010) to assess healthcare seeking patterns for diarrhea. Diarrhea prevalence during the preceding 2 weeks ranged from 26% at baseline to 4-11% during 2009-2010. Caretakers were less likely to seek healthcare outside the home for infants (versus older children) with diarrhea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.33, confidence interval [CI] = 0.12-0.87). Caretakers of children with reduced food intake (aOR = 3.42, CI = 1.37-8.53) and sunken eyes during their diarrheal episode were more likely to seek care outside home (aOR = 4.76, CI = 1.13-8.89). Caretakers with formal education were more likely to provide oral rehydration solution (aOR = 3.01, CI = 1.41-6.42) and visit a healthcare facility (aOR = 3.32, CI = 1.56-7.07). Studies calculating diarrheal incidence and healthcare seeking should account for seasonal trends. Improving caretakers' knowledge of home management could prevent severe diarrhea.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / epidemiology*
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / physiopathology
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / psychology*
  • Diarrhea, Infantile / therapy
  • Female
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / psychology*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index