Animals in child sleeping spaces and unimproved sanitation associated with diarrhea among young children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: WASHmobile PICHA7 prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Exposure to animal and human feces in the household environment is associated with diarrheal diseases in young children. The objective of this study was to identify exposure pathways to fecal pathogens for young children that are significant contributors to diarrheal disease to allow for targeted water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions on these pathways.

Methods

The WASHmobile Preventative Intervention for Cholera for 7 Days prospective cohort study was conducted in urban Bukavu, South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cohort study of 794 children under 5 years of age included monthly diarrhea surveillance and unannounced spot checks to assess WASH behaviors and conditions over a 12-month period. Caregiver report of child mouthing of

SUBMITTER: Bisimwa JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12849566 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature