Risk factors for high diarrhoea frequency: a study in rural Zimbabwe

Diarrhoea morbidity data were collected prospectively over 22 months from a cohort of young children living in a deprived community in rural Zimbabwe. Despite the general high prevalence of diarrhoeal disease, there was considerable individual variability in attack rates. Risk factors associated with high diarrhoea frequency were therefore sought by a questionnaire study on feeding, environmental, educational and socio-economic factors. This was supported by observation of living conditions, and water and sanitation facilities. Surprisingly, no association was found between diarrhoeal morbidity and any of these factors, suggesting that other factors such as individual hygiene behaviour or individual susceptibility to diarrhoea may play a role in determining the observed differences in diarrhoea rates in this community.