Determinants of diarrheal diseases among patients attending public health centers in Addis Ababa and Hossana, Ethiopia: a matched case-control study.

Background: The incidence of diarrheal diseases varies widely between and within countries due to different socioeconomic, environmental and behavioural factors. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of diarrheal diseases among patients attending public health facilities in Addis Ababa and Hossana, Ethiopia.

Methods: An age-matched case-control study was conducted in health facilities to recruit study participants and collect data from December 2021 to September 2022. Socio-demographic data and other risk factors were collected from study participants using a structured questionnaire. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify the independent predictor variables. The strength of the associations was measured using the adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95%CI. Statistical significance is indicated whenever the p value is less than 0.05.

Results: Being partially vaccinated (AOR: 2.70; 95% CI 1.2, 5.9), use of tap water for drinking (AOR: 2.20; 95% CI 1.1, 4.4) and use of protected well/spring water for drinking (AOR: 13.90; 95% CI 3.7, 51.5), overcrowded sleeping places (AOR: 1.50; 95% CI 1.2, 1.8), contact with animal feces/food (AOR: 15.10; 95% CI 4.2, 53.6), the cleaning frequency of water-fetching materials (i.e., cleaned sometimes (AOR: 2.40; 95% CI 1.2, 4.5) and rarely (AOR: 3.03; 95% CI 1.2, 7.4)), and using an open latrine (AOR: 5.61; 95% CI 1.5, 21.0) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of diarrhea. A higher BMI (AOR: 0.75; 95% CI 0.7, 0.8) was significantly associated with not having diarrhea.

Conclusions: The incidence of diarrheal diseases was influenced by several factors, including children's immunization status and unhygienic living conditions. Therefore, timely immunization, access to safe drinking water, proper hygiene practices and improved sanitation facilities are essential for the control of diarrheal diseases and safeguarding public health.