RICKETS AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN SELECTED PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF HARAR, HARAMAYA AND DIRE DAWA TOWNS; EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Rickets is a disease that affects children and adolescents during times of rapid growth. Nutritional rickets remains prevalent in developing regions of the world and ranks among the five most common diseases in children. Although there are some pocket studies conducted in localized areas, the burden of nutritional rickets in eastern Ethiopia is not well studied and documented. Objectives: To assess prevalence of rickets and its associated factors among under five children in selected public hospitals of Harar, Haramaya and Dire Dawa towns ; Eastern Ethiopia, from February 23 to March 10, 2017. Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on 590 under five children at Dire Dawa Dilchora hospital, Haramaya district hospital and Harar Hiwot Fana hospital. All under five children who came to the hospital during data collection period were included until the allocated sample for each hospital was fulfilled. A pre-tested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Diagnosis was done based on clinical sign and symptoms of rickets; presence of at least two clinical signs confirmed diagnosis for rickets. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval estimated to identify factors associated with rickets using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Finally, statistical significance had been declared at p-value < 0.05. Result: Total of 590 under five children took part in the study, of whom 7.8%; 95% CI: (5.70 – 10.20) were clinically diagnosed for rickets. Being under the care of caregivers AOR=6.67, (1.69–26.36), Early initiation of complementary feeding AOR=0.176(0.04 – 0.81), Dressing the child fully during time of direct sun exposure AOR=15.74(4.20 – 58.96), Not oil massaging the child while direct sun exposure AOR=5.055(1.77 – 14.47) and Being sick in the last one month AOR=4.05(1.50 – 10.91) were significantly associated with occurrence of rickets in this study. Conclusion and Recommendation: From the study rickets was found to be major public health problem among under five children. The causes of rickets were diverse, multidimensional and interrelated. Therefore the regional health bureaus and the health institutions in collaboration with the community and involved partners should jointly work to conduct preventive measures.