Health care-seeking behavior during childhood diarrheal illness: results of health care utilization and attitudes surveys of caretakers in western Kenya, 2007-2010
Omore, R.; O'Reilly, C.E.; Williamson, J.; Moke, F.; Were, V.; Farag, T.H.; van Eijk, A.Maria.; Kotloff, K.L.; Levine, M.M.; Obor, D.; Odhiambo, F.; Vulule, J.; Laserson, K.F.; Mintz, E.D.; Breiman, R.F.
American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 89(1 Suppl): 29-40
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1476-1645 PMID: 23629929 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0755Document Number: 574896
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.