Identification of Acute Rotavirus Diarrhea and Analysis of its Risk Factors in Children Under-5 Years in Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Diarrhea is the most common disease among children and still a major cause of morbidity

and mortality. Among the various causes of acute diarrhea in children, rotavirus is the most frequent one,

especially in developing countries where universal rotavirus vaccination has not been introduced, including

Indonesia.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the percentage of acute rotavirus diarrhea in children and analyze

its risk factors in Tanah Kali Kedinding Primary Health Care, Surabaya, Indonesia.

Method: Stool specimens were collected from a total 116 children under-5 years visiting Tanah Kali

Kedinding Primary Health Care in Surabaya, Indonesia due to acute diarrhea during September 2018 –

January 2019. Rapid stool antigen immunochromatograhic test was used to identify group A rotavirus

antigen. Some potential risk factors were analyzed.

Results: Among 116 samples from children with acute diarrhea, 67 (57.8%) were identified group A

rotavirus positive. Samples with rotavirus positive were obtained mostly form male (p=0.008). Malnutrition

was associated with an increased risk of rotavirus infection (p=0.025). Male and malnutrition were about 3

times more likely to have rotavirus infection. Other risk factors including children’ age, history of exclusive

breastfeeding, mothers’ education and the amount of income were not statistically associated with rotavirus

diarrhea.

Conclusion: The occurence of children with acute rotavirus diarrhea in this study was 57.8%. Some risk

factors for rotavirus infection were gender and malnutrition. Control measures such as anticipating its risk

factors need to be adapted, according to the further epidemiology investigation.