PREVALENCE OF DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE AND DISTRIBUTION BY BASIC FEATURES IN TURKEY

Objectives: Diarrhea is one of the most important causes of death in children under five.This study aims to determine the prevalence of diarrhea and the prevalence of diarrhea in children under five years of age according to the characteristics of children (age, gender, household welfare, etc.). Methods: “Turkey Demographic and Health Survey” data were used in this study, which was conducted by Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies every 5 years. The population of research consisted of married women at least once in the 15-49 age range. Logistic regression analysis was used in the analyzes of the data. Results: As a result of this study, it was determined that the prevalence of diarrhea in children under five changed and differed according to the various socio-demographic and socio-economic variables in Turkey. The prevalence of diarrhea increased from 27.7% in 1993 to 32.5% in 1998 and decreased to 20% in 2008. In addition, the prevalence of diarrhea differs from the basic characteristics of children (age, gender, household welfare, etc.). Conclusion: It is suggested that especially the education of parents of children, various measures should be taken more effectively