biostudies-literatureUnknown5(12)Khatri RBNepal has notably reduced major childhood illnesses like diarrhea and acute respiratory infections via community-based child health programs. This study analyzes trends and factors influencing the prevalence of fever and diarrhea in children under five, along with care-seeking behaviors, using data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys of 2011, 2016, and 2022. Between 2011 and 2022, fever prevalence increased from 19% to 23%, while care-seeking for diarrhea and fever declined slightly (diarrhea: 62% to 57%; fever: 80% to 78%). Care-seeking at private health facilities increased for both illnesses (diarrhea: 37% to 42%; fever: 54% to 67%). Key determinants varied by condition and region. Diarrhea prevalence was lower in children aged 36-59 months but higher in Bagmati and Karnali prPLOS global public healthe0005651https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12698019biostudies-literatureIncreasing childhood illnesses (diarrhea and fever) and decreasing care-seeking practices in Nepal: Insights from three most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2011, 2016 and 2022).PMC12698019Mishra RKKhatri RBDhital RTuladhar SAssefa YfalseIncreasing childhood illnesses (diarrhea and fever) and decreasing care-seeking practices in Nepal: Insights from three most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2011, 2016 and 2022).Nepal has notably reduced major childhood illnesses like diarrhea and acute respiratory infections via community-based child health programs. This study analyzes trends and factors influencing the prevalence of fever and diarrhea in children under five, along with care-seeking behaviors, using data from the Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys of 2011, 2016, and 2022. Between 2011 and 2022, fever prevalence increased from 19% to 23%, while care-seeking for diarrhea and fever declined slightly (diarrhea: 62% to 57%; fever: 80% to 78%). Care-seeking at private health facilities increased for both illnesses (diarrhea: 37% to 42%; fever: 54% to 67%). Key determinants varied by condition and region. Diarrhea prevalence was lower in children aged 36-59 months but higher in Bagmati and Karnali pr2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-06T01:18:22.779Z2026-05-24T03:12:28.343ZS-EPMC126980194137987510.1371/journal.pgph.0005651