Factors associated with the risk of diarrhoeal morbidity among under-3 children in Zimbabwe

This paper is based on a study that focused on factors associated with the risk of diarrhoeal morbidity among under-3 children. The study relied on data from the 2005-06 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey. The results from the multivariate logistic regression models indicate that in Zimbabwe, a child’s age, breastfeeding status, cough, fever and immunisation are important predictors of diarrhoeal morbidity. The results confirm the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding against diarrhoeal morbidity. Exclusively breastfed children are associated with 0.27 times less risk of diarrhoeal morbidity (p<0.001). Further research is, however, required to map the spatial distribution of diarrhoeal morbidity in Zimbabwe. Exclusive breastfeeding should be promoted for the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases. The results of this study should be useful in the design of appropriate prevention programmes in the fight against diarrhoeal diseases in Zimbabwe and beyond.