ABSTRACT
The research on
evaluation of incidence of gastroenteritis among children under 12 years in
selected primary health centers in Okigwe L.G.A Imo State. The objective was to
identify the prevalence of gastroenteritis in the various health centres in the
selected communities. To identify the sex related prevalent of infection rate. Data were collected using recorded
incidence of gastroenteritis among children under 12 years within the month if
January 2017 – April 2017 in the selected primary health centres. In the
monthly attendance of patients, the overall highest incidence was recorded in
the month of January (29.2%). This is followed by the month of April (23.1%)
the least infection incidence was recorded in the month of March (21.1%)
monthly difference was not significant. However, in gender related issues male
had higher infection prevalence of 23.9 but not significant to (P < 0.05).
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Gastroenteritis
is a term used to refer to infections of the gastrointestinal tract caused by
bacteria, viral, or parasitic pathogens (Behrman, 2008). Majority of these
infections are food –borne illnesses whose common manifestations are diarrhoea
and vomiting which may also be associated with systemic features such as
abdominal pain and fever (Behrman, 2008). Once inside the intestinal mucosa,
Enteropathogens either leads to an inflammatory or non-inflammatory response.
Non inflammatory diarrhoea is elicited through enterotoxin production by some
bacteria, destruction of villus (surface) cells by viruses, adherence by
parasites, and adherence and / or translocation by bacteria while inflammatory
diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria that directly invade the intestine or
produce cytotoxins with consequent fluid, protein, and cells ( erythrocytes,
leucocytes) that enter the intestinal lumen (Behrman, 2008). Viruses such as
rotavirus target the microvillus tips of the enterocytes and can enter the
cells by either direct invasion or calcium-dependent endocytosis resulting in
villus shortening and loss of enterocytes absorptive surface through cell
shortening and loss of microvilli (Behrman, 2008). Rotavirus is associated with
28% of deaths due gastroenteritis (UNICEF, 2013). Environmental contamination
and increased exposure to Enteropathogens are the main risk factors for
gastroenteritis. Young age, immune deficiency, measles, malnutrition, and lack
of exclusive or predominant breast-feeding are additional risk factors for
gastroenteritis (Behrman, 2008). Majority of the diarrhoeal cases resolve
within the 1st week of infection with a few cases persisting for more than
2weeks.
During
an episode of gastroenteritis there is an increased loss of water and electrolytes
through vomiting and diarrhoea. When the lost fluid and electrolytes are not
replaced adequately, a deficit of water and electrolytes develops resulting to
dehydration (WHO, 2005). Dehydration is the main cause of deaths due to
gastroenteritis and majority of these deaths can be prevented by early
initiation of ORT. Other essential elements in the management of acute
gastroenteritis in children are continued feeding to all, zinc supplementation
and use of antimicrobials only for those with bloody diarrhoea, severe cholera
cases or serious non intestinal infections (WHO, 2005).
1.2
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The
threat of gastroenteritis rampaging through Nigeria has long been of concern to
many. The crowded settings coupled with minimal water, sanitation, hygiene and
health services, presents a breeding ground for gastroenteritis to quickly
escalate beyond control. In an attempt to avoid this worst case scenario, a
massive response needs to be mounted by the government to enlighten the general
public about the causes of this deadly disease and ways to avoid the outbreak.
Hygiene promoters should be employed to work every day, sharing information on
how to avoid contacting the illness, the signs and symptoms of the diseases.
The need to appreciate the problem of gastroenteritis called for more research
in the problem.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The
research work was important in several ways firstly, this study expose me to
how to carry out a research and provide a written work on gastroenteritis for
the college library.
This
study was also relevant to the government by providing the number of
gastroenteritis outbreak within Okigwe L.G.A area, by this information, the
government can swing into action by providing various measures in other to
limit or prevent further outbreak of the disease in our community.
1.4
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Ø To
identify the prevalent of gastroenteritis in the various health centers in the
selected communities.
Ø To
identify the months of peak threat of infection.
Ø To
identify the sex related prevalent of infection.
Ø To
identify any age related of infection rate.
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