FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIARRHEA AMONG CHILDREN LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD IN THAILAND: A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THAILAND MULTIPLE INDICATOR CLUSTER SURVEY 2006

This study examined factors associated with diarrhea among children aged less than 5 years in Thailand, using data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted from December 2005 to February 2006. Data were collected for 9444 children with 9409 children who had complete data on age being included in the analysis. Bivariate analysis was done using Pearson's Chi square test with multivariate analysis being done using binary logistic regression. The study found increased risk of diarrhea among children in households with one child under 5 years, with Thai heads, male and those with elderly or teenage caretakers. The highest risk of diarrhea was in children aged 6-23 months. Household wealth index quintile was also associated with diarrhea with children in the poor, middle and fourth wealth index quintiles being at increased risk of diarrhea compared to children in the richest wealth index quintile. Unsafe disposal of child's feces and weaning were associated with increased risk of diarrhea in children aged less than 2 years. Continued efforts to promote recommended child feeding practices, providing health education on hygienic practices in child care to targeted populations and targeting teenage and elderly caretakers in diarrhea prevention efforts in children are recommended.