Investigation on the potential risk factors for persistence of diarrhoeal diseases in Zanzibar: the case study of Mjini Magharibi region in Zanzibar

Zanzibar experiences diarrhoeal diseases concurrently with high incidence rates, especially among the children. This study was undertaken to investigate the potential risk factors for persistence of diarrhoeal diseases. Morbidity and mortality data for age group of less than 5 years and above 5 years were collected from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Zanzibar. Moreover, examination of microbial water quality was done. Face-to-face interviews based on the structured questionnaires were administered to 196 households’ representatives in both Mtopepo and Rahaleo wards. However, policies, legal and institutional frameworks for managing diarrhoeal diseases in Zanzibar were evaluated to determine their effectiveness in combating the diarrhoeal diseases. Bivariate and Multivariate analyses of some risk factors with diarrhoeal diseases were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Study (SPSS) program version 20 and SWOC analysis of policies, legal and institutional framework done. The results show that incidences of diarrhoea and dysentery are frequent in Mjini Magharibi region and mostly affect children of less than five years of age. However, diarrhoea prevalence was highest in Mtopepo ward 10.9% compared to Rahaleo ward 5.6% because of the low education level of household's heads, poor water quality, poor environmental sanitation and low hygiene practices. Also, huge challenges and weakness in policy, legal and institution arrangement within the sectors of water, environmental and health in Zanzibar were noticed. The study concludes that the main potential risk factors for diarrhoeal diseases are the low level of education for the household’s heads and poor hygiene practices. Provision of hygiene education can significantly contribute to the reduction of diarrhoeal diseases in Mjini Magharibi region.