Childhood diarrhoeal deaths in seven low- and middle-income countries

• DOI: 10.2471/blt.13.134809
• Publication Date: 2014-08-29T12:07:15Z
• Authors: Ahmed Ehsanur Rahman; Md Moinuddin; Mitike Molla; Alemayehu Worku; Lisa Hurt; Betty Kirkwood; Sanjana Brahmawar...; Sarmila Mazumder; Zulfiqar Bhutta; Farrukh Raza; Sigilbert Mrema; Honorati Masanja; Daniel Kadobera; Peter Waiswa; Rajiv Bahl; Mike Zangenberg; Lulu Muhe
• Keywords: Diarrhoeal disease

Following the recent publication of Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control Pneumonia Diarrhoea, 10 there was a renewed emphasis on management diarrhoea.In addition, diarrhoea is also key feature initiatives such as United Nations Commission Life-Saving Commodities Women's Children's Health Information Accountability Health.These global strategies focus mainly treatment acute using oral rehydration zinc.Although these medications are components in diarrhoea, no mention specific persistent diarrhoea.The aim current study to identify: (i) conditions underlying childhood diarrhoea; (ii) gaps (iii) associations between death due clinical characteristics type comorbid conditions, care-seeking behaviour use therapy. MethodsThe involved verbal autopsy data children from lowand middle-income countries who died because diarrhoea.All sites INDEPTH network were invited participate Objective To investigate low-and countries, duration therapy use.Methods The included 2000 2012 at seven Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Uganda Republic Tanzania, respectively.Data came demographic surveillance sites, randomized trials an extended Demographic Survey.The classified watery, bloody or risk factors identified.Deaths aged 1 11 months 4 years analysed separately.Findings proportion deaths varied considerably across less than 3% 30%.Among 1-4 years, watery accounted 31-69% diarrhoeal deaths, 12-28%, 12-56%.Among infants 1-11 months, over 30% Tanzania.At most more 40% malnourished.Conclusion Persistent remains important cause young countries.Research needed public health burden practices understand why still dying condition.