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Background <p>Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many low- and middle-income countries, especially among children under five. Its transmission is strongly linked to poor socio-demographic conditions, inadequate food handling, and unsafe food storage practices. Understanding the predictors of diarrhoea is essential to guide effective public health interventions.</p> Objective <p>This study aimed to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics, food handling and storage practices, and the occurrence of diarrhoea among participants in the Sekyere South District of Ghana.</p> Methods <p>A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used, involving 571 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Purposive and random sampling were used to select six health facilities, followed by quota and convenience sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using both bivariate (Chi-square tests) and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses to identify significant predictors of diarrhoea</p> Results <p>Marital status, occupation, and educational level were significantly associated with diarrhoea in both bivariate and multivariable analyses (<i>p</i> &lt; .05). Participants who were unemployed, had lower educational attainment, or were divorced/separated had higher odds of reporting diarrhoea. Among food handling practices, reading nutritional labels and avoiding food preparation during skin infections were significantly associated with reduced diarrhoea occurrence. Furthermore, all four food storage practices assessed: covering dustbins, appropriate refrigeration of perishables, separating raw and cooked foods, and timely consumption of leftovers, were significantly linked to lower diarrhoea prevalence. </p> Conclusion <p>This study shows that diarrhoea in the Sekyere South District is not due to chance or isolated medical issues, but is strongly connected to how people live their daily lives. Factors such as education, employment, and marital status affect how food is prepared and stored in households, which in turn influences the risk of diarrhoea The Ghana Health Service, particularly through district health facilities and community health nurses, is well positioned to lead this effort by integrating clear, practical food hygiene education into routine clinic visits, child welfare services, and community outreach programmes.</p>

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Socio-demographic and food safety practices correlates of diarrhoea among mothers, nursing 6-12-month-old children in the Sekyere South District, Ghana

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月14日

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  • Richard Mensah,
  • Salome Amissah-Essel,
  • Jacob Owusu Sarfo

摘要

Background

Diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many low- and middle-income countries, especially among children under five. Its transmission is strongly linked to poor socio-demographic conditions, inadequate food handling, and unsafe food storage practices. Understanding the predictors of diarrhoea is essential to guide effective public health interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the association between socio-demographic characteristics, food handling and storage practices, and the occurrence of diarrhoea among participants in the Sekyere South District of Ghana.

Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used, involving 571 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Purposive and random sampling were used to select six health facilities, followed by quota and convenience sampling to recruit participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using both bivariate (Chi-square tests) and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses to identify significant predictors of diarrhoea

Results

Marital status, occupation, and educational level were significantly associated with diarrhoea in both bivariate and multivariable analyses (p < .05). Participants who were unemployed, had lower educational attainment, or were divorced/separated had higher odds of reporting diarrhoea. Among food handling practices, reading nutritional labels and avoiding food preparation during skin infections were significantly associated with reduced diarrhoea occurrence. Furthermore, all four food storage practices assessed: covering dustbins, appropriate refrigeration of perishables, separating raw and cooked foods, and timely consumption of leftovers, were significantly linked to lower diarrhoea prevalence.

Conclusion

This study shows that diarrhoea in the Sekyere South District is not due to chance or isolated medical issues, but is strongly connected to how people live their daily lives. Factors such as education, employment, and marital status affect how food is prepared and stored in households, which in turn influences the risk of diarrhoea The Ghana Health Service, particularly through district health facilities and community health nurses, is well positioned to lead this effort by integrating clear, practical food hygiene education into routine clinic visits, child welfare services, and community outreach programmes.