Occurrence of Rotavirus Infection and Associated Socio-demographic Risk Factors among Children under Five with Diarrhoea in Abuja, Nigeria
Suleiman Kafilat Olayemi, Kolo Ibrahim, Baba John, Amina Aminu Alka
International Research Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology · pp. 168–175 · Published 10 Jul 2025
10.9734/irjgh/2025/v8i1124Abstract
Background: Rotavirus remains a leading etiological agent of acute gastroenteritis and severe diarrhoea in young children globally. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, the burden of disease remains substantial in low-resource settings due to poor vaccine uptake, poor sanitation, and limited surveillance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of rotavirus infection and to establish associations between socio-demographic risk factors and rotavirus diarrhoea among children under five attending hospitals in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Methods: A total of 200 stool samples were collected from children under five years presenting with diarrhoea across selected hospitals in AMAC. Rotavirus antigens were detected using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Structured questionnaires captured socio-demographic and clinical data. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to determine associations between rotavirus occurrence and risk factors. Results: Rotavirus antigen was detected in 20 out of 200 children (10.0%). Infants aged 0–11 months exhibited the highest prevalence (40%, p < 0.05). Significant associations were observed between rotavirus infection and feeding method, handwashing after defecation, maternal age, maternal education level, source of drinking water, and sanitation practices (p < 0.05). Children of mothers aged 20–29 years accounted for 55% of rotavirus-positive cases. Mixed-fed children showed a significantly higher infection rate (45%) compared to exclusively breastfed children (15%). Conclusion: The study highlights rotavirus as a notable cause of paediatric diarrhoea in AMAC. Socio-demographic factors, especially related to feeding practices play a significant role in the transmission of infection. Promoting exclusive breastfeeding, and improving hygiene education among caregivers are recommended.
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