Prevalence of rota virus in children presenting with acute gastroenteritis at Gertrude's children's hospital and clinics
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Date
2009Author
Chege, Christine K
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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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.