Rickets and Its Associated Factors among Under-Five Children in Selected Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Rickets affects the rapid growth of children. It is prevalent in low-income countries, and ranks among the five most common diseases in children. However, its magnitude and associated factors are not well studied and documented in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and the associated factors of rickets among under-five children in selected public hospitals of eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 23 to March 10, 2017 among 590 under-five children in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, and Haramaya and Dilchora General Hospitals. Consecutive sampling was used to reach the actual respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and the presence of rickets was assessed based on clinical signs and symptoms. Data were entered into EpiData Version 3.1 and exported into SPSS Version 22.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Level of significance was considered at p-value less than 0.05. Results: The magnitude of rickets was 7.8% (95% CI: 5.70, 10.20). Being under the care of caregivers (AOR=4.21; 95% CI: 1.31, 13.52), dressing fully during sun exposure (AOR=10.36; 95% CI: 3.37, 31.80), no oil massage during sun exposure (AOR=4.94; 95% CI: 2.01, 12.12), and being sick one month prior to the study (AOR=3.56; 95% CI: 1.51, 8.40) were positively associated with rickets. Conclusion: One in every thirteen children had rickets in the study area. Being under the care of caregivers, dressing fully and no oil massage during sun exposure, and being sick one month prior to the study were significantly associated with rickets. Therefore, the health sectors should work to prevent rickets through counseling and encouraging of proper sunlight exposure and disease prevention.

Keywords: Eastern Ethiopia; Rickets; Under-five Children