Abstract
Background: The burden of disease from inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene behaviours (WASH) can affect children especially those that live informal settlements. Prolonged exposure to insanitary living conditions can enhance the burden of diseases among children. The largest proportion of the disease burden attributable to unsafe WASH is experienced by children less than five years of age. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence ofWASH related diseases amongst children under 5 years in Alexandra informal settlement. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Setswetla informal settlement at Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. To achieve the aim of this study, a structured Microsoft excel data recording sheet was used to collect information from clinical record books with 472 participants. The prevalence of WASH related disease was determined and SPSS and Epi Info for crudes ratio and confidence of the variables. Results: WASH related diseases were is statistically significant, p value =<0.0001 where the group differs on diarrhoea yes/no, differs on intestinal worm yes/no, differs on eye infection yes/no and differs on fever yes/no. In diarrhoea status, children age 24-36 months were significantly more likely to have diarrhoea (OR 0.49, 95% CI; 0.24-1.00). The symptoms, Loss of control of bowel movement, (OR 11.47, 95%CI 5.54-23.72), Temp>37.5, (OR 4.58, 95%CI 1.66-12.66), Vomiting (OR 2.61, 95%CI 1.16-7.17), no other symptoms, (OR 11.45, 95%CI 1.51-86.60) and other symptoms (OR10.80, 95%CI 1.16-100.43) were significantly more likely with diarrhoea. The Medication Prescribed ORS (OR 25.20, 95%CI 11.68-54.68), (OR 29.25, 95%CI 2.79-306.82), Panado (OR 10.55, 95%CI 1.34-84.68), (OR 5.45, 95%CI 0.97-30.60) and Other Medication (OR5.33, 95%CI 0.90-31.44) were significantly likely to be prescribed in diarrhoea. With Eye infection status children’s height 66-75cm significantly likely in eye infection (OR 0.36, 95%CI 0.13-0.93). With Symptoms the Temp>37.5(OR 0.21, 95%CI 0.11-0.43), Loss of control of bowel (OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.02-0.18) and no other symptom (OR 5.07 95%CI 1.10-23.15) were significantly more likely with Eye infection. In Medication Prescribed ORS (OR 0.19, 95%CI 0.05-0.69) Panado (OR 0.29, 95%CI 0.09-0.88), Amoxycillin (OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.04-3.14), Chloramex (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.53-7.39), (OR 3.60, 95%CI 1.03-12.64) was significantly likely to be prescribed in Eye infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of WASH related disease is still seen in children under the age of 5 years. With the disease symptoms and medication prescribed in WASH being statically significant this indicates that there is a need to improve on WASH access to the informal settlement. Keywords: sanitation, informal settlements, poor hygiene, children, water, disease burden, conditions, symptoms, medication.
M.A. (Public Health)