TITLE:
Childhood Diarrhoea in Ndop Health District, Cameroon: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Shu Claudia Sirri, Loveline Lum Niba, Mary Bi Suh Atanga
KEYWORDS:
Diarrhoea, Under-Five Children, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Ndop Health District, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.2,
March
23,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of mortality among children under five. Its prevalence, risk factors, and management vary by setting, with significant implications for effective interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of diarrhoeal diseases among children under five in Ndop Health District, Cameroon. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2025 among 507 children under five and their mothers/caregivers across nine health areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Descriptive statistics estimated frequencies and percentages. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests, while bivariate and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of diarrhoeal disease. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The mean age of mothers/caregivers was 29.9 ± 8.6 years; most were female (82.6%), Christian (69.2%), and earning below 45,000 CFA (86%). Children were predominantly aged 13 - 36 months (43%), with 71.6% not yet in school. The prevalence of diarrhoea was 65.8%, highest among children aged 6 - 12 months (75.7%), males (67.5%), and rural residents (71.5%). Significant predictors included rural residence (p Conclusion: Diarrhoeal disease remains highly prevalent in Ndop, driven by poor hygiene, unsafe feeding practices, inadequate sanitation, and low rotavirus vaccination coverage. Strengthening hygiene promotion, safe food and water handling, environmental sanitation, and immunization could significantly reduce this burden.