AIM:

To describe clinical characteristics and age- and season-specific incidences of diarrheal episodes, and to evaluate risk factors associated with the occurrence of diarrheal disease.

METHODS:

A total of 252 infants from rural Bangladesh were followed through household surveillance for 2 y from birth during the years 1993-1996. Demographic and household determinants were linked to the probability of illness using logistic regression models.

RESULTS:

The overall incidence of diarrhea was 4.25 episodes per child per year. Peak rates of overall, acute, and persistent diarrhea occurred in the 6-11-mo and 12-17-mo age groups. Diarrheal rates peaked during the spring and summer. Among host-related characteristics, having a sibling in the household and having had prior diarrhea were significant risk factors for diarrhea. Among environmental characteristics, spring season remained a highly statistically significant risk factor for diarrhea.

CONCLUSION:

Diarrheal disease continues to be a substantial burden in young children in rural Bangladesh. Most diarrheal episodes are of short duration, and should primarily be treated with oral rehydration therapy to prevent diarrhea-related mortality. Improved knowledge of oral rehydration therapy, feeding during episodes to prevent further malnutrition, prolonged breastfeeding, and the keeping of livestock in corralled areas of the home are advocated.