ORCID
0000-0001-5014-5011
Abstract
Rwanda has made considerable progressive policy efforts to significantly reduce diarrhea among children under 5 years old, especially since 2010. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between household water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) behaviors and diarrhea among children under 5 years old between 2010 and 2020. We used secondary data from the 2010, 2015, and 2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Surveys. We used descriptive statistics, pairwise comparisons, and linear regression designs to assess (a) the prevalence of household WASH behaviors across districts, regions, urban areas, and rural areas, (b) the variation of household WASH behaviors over time, and (c) the relationship between household WASH behaviors and diarrhea in children under 5. The study findings show (a) no statistically significant variation in handwashing, (b) a statistically significant decrease in water treatment (µ = 13.230, 95%CI [8.609; 17.851], p < .001) and in safe water storage (µ = 4.430, 95%CI [2.400; 6.460], p < .001), and (c) a statistically significant increase in the use of clean toilets (µ = 12.197, 95%CI [8.158; 16.235], p < .001) between 2010 and 2020. The study results did not show a statistically significant relationship between WASH behaviors (handwashing, water treatment, safe water storage, and use of clean toilets) and diarrhea among children under 5 years old.
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