Trends and predictors of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection and their association with infant feeding practices in South Asia : nation-wide cross-sectional surveys

Abstract

Childhood diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in many parts of the world including South Asia. These illnesses are known to occur most frequently under circumstances of poor environmental sanitation and hygiene, inadequate water supplies, and poverty. In most South Asian countries, the control of diarrhoeal disease, including promotion of breastfeeding, oral rehydration therapy and specific health education has been a part of national strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing the burdens caused by these diseases. Data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys of four south Asian Countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal) were utilised in this thesis to conduct multivariate modelling for all analyses. This thesis first examines the socio-demographic and other factors associated with childhood diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection in each of the four countries. The thesis then explores trends and predictors of childhood diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) in two of the four countries. Finally, the thesis further examines the association of childhood diarrhoea with infant and young child feeding practices in south Asia. This study suggests the need for a comprehensive (or multifaceted) interventions which involves the adoption of social protection policies such as cash transfer programs and education interventions to reduce childhood diarrhoea and ARI especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in four South Asia countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, India Pakistan) thus, setting these countries on its path to achieving the post-2015 sustainable development goals of improving health.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English