Risk Factors of Diarrhea in Children under Five in Rural-Urban Areas of Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is a dangerous disease for children because it causes morbidity and mortality in many countries, including Indonesia. The study aimed to determine the risk factors of diarrhea in children under five in urban and rural areas of Indonesia.

Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study. The data for this study were taken from the Indonesian Basic Health Survey 2018. A total of 64,148 children aged 0 to 59 months were selected for this study. The dependent variable was the incidence of diarrhea. The independent variables used were maternal education, maternal mental disorder, and improper stool disposal. The data were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results: In urban areas, the risk of diarrhea in children under five increased low maternal education (OR= 1.72; 95% CI= 1.26 to 2.35; p<0.001) and some kind of maternal mental disorder (OR=2.34; 95% CI=1.95 to 2.81; p<0.001). Likewise, in rural areas, the risk of diarrhea in children under five increased with low maternal education (OR= 1.69; 95% CI=1.39 to 2.08; p<0.001), some kind of maternal mental disorder (OR= 2.22; 95% CI=1.96 to 2.51; p<0.001), and improper stool disposal (OR=1.22; 95% CI= 1.11 to 1.34; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Both in urban and rural areas, the risk of diarrhea in children under five increases with low maternal education, some kind of maternal mental disorder, and improper stool disposal.

Keywords: urban, rural, maternal education, diarrhea, children under five