Factors associated with diarrhoea among infants with low-birth-weight history in Indonesia

INTRODUCTION: Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Infants with low-birth weight (LBW) have a higher risk of diarrhoea due to their low immunity and nutritional status issues.This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with diarrhoea in infants with LBW in Indonesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used cross-sectional and secondary data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). A total of 142 infants under 1 year were selected as the respondents. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with diarrhoea in infants with LBW in Indonesia.

RESULTS: There are several factors more likely to increase the incidence of diarrhoea in infants with LBW, which are living in rural areas [OR = 5.65, 95% CI = 1.08-29.5] and having internet access less than the last 12 months (OR = 13.03, 95% CI = 1.48-114). Meanwhile, factors more likely to decrease the incidence of diarrhoea in infants with LBW, which are maternal age (20-24 years old) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.98], cell phone ownership (OR = 0.08, 95% CI= 0.01-0.45), and the use of feeding bottles (OR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.05-0.92).

CONCLUSION: This study highlights that maternal age, cell phone ownership, internet access, area of residence, and use of feeding bottles are significant factors associated with diarrhoea in infants with LBW. Health workers must enhance health education related to those factors through the Community Integrated Child Health Service (Posyandu) programs.