Occurrence of Rotavirus Infection and Associated Socio-demographic Risk Factors among Children under Five with Diarrhoea in Abuja, Nigeria
Suleiman Kafilat Olayemi *
Department of Microbiology, Nile University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
Kolo Ibrahim
Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria.
Baba John
Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria.
Amina Aminu Alka
Nile University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Rotavirus remains a leading etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis and severe diarrhoea in young children globally. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, the burden of disease remains substantial in low-resource settings due to poor vaccine uptake, poor sanitation, and limited surveillance.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of rotavirus infection and to establish associations between socio-demographic risk factors and rotavirus diarrhoea among children under five attending hospitals in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 200 stool samples were collected from children under five years presenting with diarrhoea across selected hospitals in AMAC. Rotavirus antigens were detected using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Structured questionnaires captured socio-demographic and clinical data. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to determine associations between rotavirus occurrence and risk factors.
Results: Rotavirus antigen was detected in 20 out of 200 children (10.0%). Infants aged 0–11 months exhibited the highest prevalence (40%, p < 0.05). Significant associations were observed between rotavirus infection and feeding method, handwashing after defecation, maternal age, maternal education level, source of drinking water, and sanitation practices (p < 0.05). Children of mothers aged 20–29 years accounted for 55% of rotavirus-positive cases. Mixed-fed children showed a significantly higher infection rate (45%) compared to exclusively breastfed children (15%).
Conclusion: The study highlights rotavirus as a notable cause of paediatric diarrhoea in AMAC. Socio-demographic factors, especially related to feeding practices play a significant role in the transmission of infection. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and improving hygiene education among caregivers are recommended.
Keywords: Rotavirus, socio-demographic risk factors, diarrhea, children under five, Abuja, ELISA, feeding practices