Prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in Debre Berhan City, internally displaced people’s centers, Ethiopia, 2025: A cross-sectional study
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Background
Diarrheal disease remains a major public health concern among under-five children, particularly in the displaced population, where sanitation, water supply, and health care access are limited. Although it is a 3 rd leading cause of under-five morbidity and mortality, limited data exist on the prevalence and determinants of diarrhea in IDP centers.
Objective
To assess the prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in Debre Birhan City Internally Displaced People’s centers in 2025.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 16--30, 2025, in Debre Berhan citys internally displaced people centers. A total of 355 mothers/caregivers were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured, pre-tested questionnaires via the Kobo Collect application. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. An adjusted odds ratio with its 95% CI was used to determine the strength of association, and variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered significant.
Result
The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five years in Debre Berehan city internally displaced peoples center was 32.4% (95% CI: 28-37). Three factors, unable to read and write educational status of mothers (AOR =3.1; CI: 1.27-7.6), open dumping waste disposal method (AOR=2.63, 95%CI: 1.27-5.5), unvaccination (AOR=3.9, 95%CI: 1.4-10.85) and partial vaccination (AOR= 2.22, 95%CI: 1.25-3.95) were significantly associated with the outcome variable diarrhea.
Conclusion
The prevalence of diarrhea among children under five in the IDP center of Debre Berhan city was high. Management strategies to improve maternal health literacy, promote proper waste management and sanitation, and enhance outreach immunization services are crucial for reducing the burden of diarrhea.
