Acute Gastroenteritis Among Indigenous Paediatric Patients – A Descriptive Study in a Rural District Hospital, Sarawak
- Author:
WL Cheah
;
PY Lee
;
SAR Syed Alwi
;
K Kamarudin
;
H Albela
;
EH Lau
;
O Noraini
;
WA Siti Sanaa
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Acute gastroenteritis;
indigenous;
children;
Malaysia
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2011;7(2):3-7
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the frequent causes of hospitalization in
children under the age of five, particularly in a rural setting. This study was conducted to determine
the epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis in indigenous children admitted to a rural district hospital
in Sarawak. Methods: A retrospective review of indigenous paediatrics cases of acute gastroenteritis
admitted to the ward of Serian District Hospital, a rural district hospital in Sarawak, between the years
2006-2007. The data was collected from the patients’ case notes, obtained with permission from the
hospital management. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: During the study
period, 234 indigenous children with acute gastroenteritis were admitted with the highest prevalence in
2006 (53.4%). The findings showed higher prevalence was found in children aged 3 years and below
(76.5%) and male (56.4%) The minimum duration of hospital stay is 1 day, and the maximum stay is
5 days. The clinical findings showed that the majority of the cases presented with vomiting, diarrhea,
dry mouth and tongue, sunken eye, with the majority (76%) reported having mild dehydration. The
most common treatment used is oral rehydration solutions (85.4%), followed by intravenous bolus or
drip (82.3%), paracetamol (79%) and antibiotic (36.2%). Peak incidence of admissions was between
November to January. About 38.5% of the AGE cases admitted were found to be underweight (weightfor-
age below -2SD). Conclusion: The findings indicated children aged 3 years and below are the most
vulnerable to AGE and malnutrition could be one of the predisposing factors. The peak incidence during
the raining season at the end of the year indicated a possible relationship between AGE and seasonal
type of virus infection. Prevention in the form of proper hygiene at the household level probably will
prove to be useful.
