BMJ Open (Sep 2025)

Acute gastroenteritis and associated factors among under-five children visiting public hospitals in Jigjiga City, Somali Region, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

  • Seid Yimam Ali,
  • Mekonin Meskelu Shegere,
  • Ahmed Moumin Abdilahi,
  • Mahlet Ameha Getahun,
  • Liyew Mekonnen Ayehubizu,
  • Abdirahman Mohamed Ahmed

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-099998
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 9

Abstract

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Objective The study aims to assess the magnitude of acute gastroenteritis and associated factors among under-five children visiting public hospitals in Jigjiga City, Somali Region, Ethiopia.Design A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used to carry out the study. We then employed a systematic random sampling technique through face-to-face interviews to gather the data. A structured questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, behavioural, environmental and clinical factors was developed after reviewing relevant literature.Setting The study was conducted in public hospitals located in Jigjiga City, Somali Region, Ethiopia.Participants A total of 353 under-five children visiting public hospitals were involved in the study.Outcome measures The primary outcome of the study was the prevalence of acute gastroenteritis.Result The 2-week prevalence of acute gastroenteritis among under-five children was 24.6% (95% CI 23.4% to 25.9%). The study found strong links between acute gastroenteritis and having a household greater than five (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.94, 95% CI 1.55 to 5.60), an unprotected source of drinking water (AOR=2.74, 95% CI 1.29 to 5.82), unimproved latrine facilities (AOR=3.15, 95% CI 1.26 to 7.78), the presence of faeces around the latrine (AOR=3.53, 95% CI 1.77 to 7.03) and mothers or caregivers’ history of diarrhoea over the past 2 weeks (AOR=6.23, 95% CI 3.22 to 12.06).Conclusion The overall prevalence of acute gastroenteritis in Jigjiga City was relatively high in the 2-week period. Having a household greater than five, an unprotected source of drinking water and unimproved latrine facilities was a significant predictor of acute gastroenteritis. Additionally, the presence of faeces around the latrines and the history of diarrhoea in mothers or caregivers over the past 2 weeks were strongly linked to acute gastroenteritis.