Prevalence of rota virus in children presenting with acute gastroenteritis at Gertrude's children's hospital and clinics

Abstract

Background Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis among young children worldwide. An estimated 600,000 children die from rotavirus each year with 80% being from developing countries. Rotavirus vaccination is considered the most effective public health strategy to prevent infection and reduce the severity of gastroenteritis. Objectives The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of rotavirus among children aged 6 to 24 months presenting with acute gastroenteritis. The secondary objectives were to determine rotavirus vaccine coverage and to compare vaccination status, sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding practices and z scores in children with severe and non-severe gastroenteritis and also those with rotavirus positive and rotavirus negative stools respectively. Study site The study was carried out at Gertrude's Children's Hospital. Study population The study population comprised 195 children aged 6-24 months presenting with acute diarrhea at Gertrude's Children's Hospital (GCH) and its satellite clinics. Study design This study was a hospital based cross-sectional study.