Prevalence and risk factors of rotavirus infection occurring in children under five years of age in Oron Local Government, Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Rotavirus remains a leading cause of severe childhood diarrhoea globally. Despite effective vaccination, local transmission persists, influenced by complex environmental, clinical, and behavioural factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and environmental and behavioural risk factors associated with rotavirus infection among children under five years of age in Oron Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. A six-month cross-sectional study (January–June 2024) was conducted at the General Hospital Iquita Health Center, Eyetong Oron. Stool samples (n = 250) were collected from pediatric inpatients and outpatients presenting with acute gastroenteritis. Samples were analysed for rotavirus antigen using the SD Rotavirus BIO LINE immunochromatographic assay. Demographic, clinical, and environmental data were obtained using structured questionnaires, and associations were analysed statistically using chisquare (χ²) tests and odds ratios (OR). The overall prevalence of rotavirus infection was 4.0% (n = 10), with the highest rate among children aged ≤1 year (9.3%). Infection rates were similar across sexes (males: 3.9%; females: 4.3%). Common symptoms included diarrhoea (80%), vomiting (60%), and abdominal cramps (50%). All cases were mild to moderate, likely due to the high rotavirus vaccination coverage (90%) in the study population. Infection was significantly associated with water source (χ² = 20.84, p < 0.05) and vaccination status (χ² = 4.63, OR = 4.25, 95% CI: 1.03–17.6). Children consuming stream (100%) or sachet water (50%) had the highest infection rates. No significant association was found between infection and symptom severity (χ²= 4.24, p > 0.05). Rotavirus infection remains a public health concern among children in Oron, despite high vaccination coverage.