CLINICAL PROFILE AND RISK FACTORS OF ACUTE GASTROENTERITIS WITH SEVERE DEHYDRATION IN UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
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Keywords
Acute gastroenteritis, severe dehydration, under-five children, risk factors, case-control study
Abstract
Acute gastroenteritis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years in developing countries. Severe dehydration complicates management and increases mortality risk, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Objectives: To determine the clinical profile and identify risk factors associated with severe dehydration in acute gastroenteritis among under-five children presenting to Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Dehradun.
Methodology: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from January 2016 to September 2016 at Shri Mahant Indiresh Hospital, Dehradun. Cases (n=110) were children with acute gastroenteritis and severe dehydration; controls (n=110) had acute gastroenteritis without severe dehydration. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were applied with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Mean age of cases was 18.3±10.2 months. Predominant symptoms included frequent watery stools (100%), vomiting (84.5%), and lethargy (76.4%). Significant risk factors included exclusive breastfeeding duration <6 months (OR=3.42, 95% CI: 1.89-6.18), unboiled drinking water (OR=4.21, 95% CI: 2.31-7.68), delayed health-seeking (>24 hours) (OR=5.67, 95% CI: 3.12-10.31), maternal illiteracy (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.56-5.35), and overcrowding (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.28-4.27).
Conclusion: Severe dehydration in acute gastroenteritis is significantly associated with modifiable risk factors. Community-based interventions focusing on hygiene education, early health-seeking behavior, and maternal literacy are essential.
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Dr. Patel Ravikumar Babubhai
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, SGRRIM&HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Dr. Arunkumar R Varun
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Rama Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Pilkhuwa, Hapur, UP, India
