RISK FACTORS REGARDING CHRONIC DIARRHEA AND WEIGHT LOSS IN CHILDREN OF DISTRICT RAJANPUR PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Objective: To assess the risk factors associated with chronic diarrhea and weight loss in the children of District Rajanpur Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A purposive randomized controlled trial was conducted among the 100 children of District Rajanpur Punjab, Pakistan with ages between 6 and 36 months and mean age 26 months having more than 3 episodes of acute watery diarrhea for more than 36 hours. Results: 36% of the children were below 1 year of age, 34% belonged to 12-24 months and 30% were between 24-36 months. Only 32% were undergoing breastfeeding or exclusively breastfed. 62% had an updated vaccinated status. 64% were low for birth weight. 82% families were consuming the municipal water supplies drinking and cooking. 78% were living in a joint family system. 32% of the mothers were literate with a minimum of primary education and above. 70% of the children had an early weaning history below 6 months of age. Conclusion: It was observed that children who had a history of low birth weight below 2.5 kg, under 12 months of age, not or under breastfed during their infancy, nursed on formula milk, unvaccinated status, those consuming un boiled water (municipal water) and those who had a history of early weaning below 6 months of age suffered more episodes of watery diarrhea.