The Risk Factors Associated with Rotavirus Gastroenteritis among Children Under Five Years at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. It remains a common cause of hospitalization worldwide. Rotavirus is a cause of acute watery diarrhea in children under five years of age. The incidence of diarrhea decreases with increasing age.

Aim: This study aimed at finding some risk factors associated with rotavirus infection in children <five years of age presenting with acute diarrhea at the university of Maiduguri teaching hospital.

Patient, Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Atotal of 173 children <five years presenting with diarrhea of <two weeks were recruited for the study. Stool samples were collected, and rotavirus antigen was detected using immunochromatographic, and the positive sample was then further analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for the VP4 and VP7 genotyping. The risk factors were analyzed using multivariate analysis conditional regression model after collecting data using a well‑structured questionnaire.

Results: The Source of water supply and presence of persons with gastroenteritis in the household were found to be risk factors for acquiring the infection with statistically significant P < 0.05. Breastfeeding was found to be protective of rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Conclusion: Rotaviruses cause morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age. In view of the associated risk factors, making available safe drinking water and encouraging good personal hygiene is important. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding and vaccination is advocated. Public health strategies like creating awareness to affected communities are a good strategy.