Personal hygiene and household food management practices associated with diarrhea among toddlers

Introduction: Diarrhea is a public health concern among toddlers in low-and middle-income countries. Environmental factors such as household hygiene practices, drinking water and food management practices are significant potential drivers of diarrhea among toddlers. This research investigated the association between the identified determinants and the occurrence of diarrhea among toddlers living in Surabaya, Indonesia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 108 toddlers aged 12–59 months selected through simple random sampling. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the data. Results and Discussion: Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between diarrhea and toddler age, caregiver education level, personal hygiene, drinking water and food management practices. Based on multivariable logistic regression, male was found to be more prone to diarrhea than female toddlers (OR = 3.18; 95% CI: 1.16–8.73; p = 0.025). Diarrhea was more prevalent among toddlers ≤ 24 months compared to those aged > 24 months (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 2.04–27.86; p = 0.002). Poor personal hygiene (OR = 4.47; 95% CI: 2.46–32.33; p = 0.005) and inadequate household food management (OR = 8.93; 95% CI: 1.55–12.90; p = 0.001) identified as variable linked to diarrhea incidence. Conclusion: Diarrhea among toddlers is significantly associated with personal hygiene and food management practices. Younger age and male sex also contribute to higher risk. Strengthening hygiene practices and improving food management in household-level are essential to reduce the burden of diarrhea among toddlers.

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