Prevalence of Comorbidities Linked to Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Among Children with Diarrhea
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51273/esc25.251321111Keywords:
paediatric acute diarrhea, infection, malnutrition in children, nutritional rickets, Diarrhea,Abstract
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of various comorbidities related to the Integrated
Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) among children presenting with diarrhea.
Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics,
Services Hospital Lahore (Ref No. IRB/2024/1410/SIMS dated 22.08.2024). A total of 383 children aged 1-5
years who presented with diarrhea were included using a non-probability consecutive sampling method.
Diarrhea was defined as the passage of three or more loose stools per day. The prevalence of IMCI-related
comorbidities including malnutrition, anemia, rickets, ear infections, and worm infestations was assessed
through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Data on demographic characteristics, breastfeeding and
weaning practices, vaccination status, and medical history were collected. Chi-square tests were used to
determine associations between comorbidities and diarrhea prevalence, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition (54.6%), anemia (55.9%), and rickets (30.8%)
among the children with diarrhea. Significant associations were observed between malnutrition, anemia, and
rickets (p < 0.001) with diarrhea prevalence. Ear infections were less common (4.17%) but still showed a
significant association (p = 0.049). Worm infestations, however, did not show a significant relationship with
diarrhea (p = 0.79).
Conclusion: Malnutrition, anemia, and rickets are strongly associated with diarrhea in children under five,
underscoring the need for integrated nutritional interventions. Addressing these comorbidities through early
detection, prevention, and targeted healthcare interventions can significantly improve child health outcomes.
Keywords: Diarrhea, Malnutrition, Anemia, Rickets, Integrated Management of Childhood Illness,
Pediatrics.
How to cite: Farooq MA, Mughal BB, Riaz Z, Shaukat A, Butt MR, Ayub A. Prevalence of Comorbidities Linked to
Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Among Children with Diarrhea. Esculapio - JSIMS 2025;21(01): 60-65
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51273/esc25.251321111
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