Socio-Demographic and Economic Determinants of Diaper Dermatitis among Children Aged 0-24 Months at Mbaghati District Hospital, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study. -

Background: Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a highly prevalent condition that causes discomfort for the child and stress for parents as well as significant distress for healthcare staff, despite the recent evolved diaper technology. It is considered to be high in young children in Kenya where the socio-demographic and economic determinants have not been studied. Objectives: To establish the relation of socio-demographic and economic factors to diaper dermatitis among children aged 0-24 months at Mbagathi District Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 children aged 0-24 months selected by systematic sampling approach. Data on mother’s socio demographic and socio-economic characteristics as well as infant’s information was collected using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to establish the association between DD and socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics at p-value < 0.05. Multivariate logistic regression using adjusted odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval was also estimated. Results: The prevalence of diaper dermatitis was found to be 27.3%. Multiple logistic regression revealed the following factors as independent factors associated with diaper dermatitis, low levels of maternal education [AOR=3.77; 95%CI=1.36-10.46; P=0.011], mother's engagement in any activity that earns income [AOR=8.70; 95%CI=2.68-28.17; P