Prevalence and factors associated with rotavirus diarrhea among children aged 3-24 months after the introduction of the vaccine at a referral hospital in Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Background Rotavirus has a significant morbidity and mortality in children under two years. The burden of rotavirus diarrhea 4 years post introduction of rotavirus vaccine in Uganda is not well established. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, severity of dehydration and factors associated with rotavirus diarrhea among children aged 3 to 24 months after the introduction of the vaccine at Fort Portal Regional Referral hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study in which children with acute watery diarrhea were included. A rectal tube was used to collect a stool sample for those unable to provide samples. Stool was tested for rotavirus using rapid immunochromatographic assay. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22 with logistic regression done to determine the factors. Results Out of 268 children with acute watery diarrhea, 133 (49.6%) were females. Rotavirus test was positive in 42 (15.7%), majority of whom had some dehydration 28(66.7%). The factors that were independently associated with rotavirus diarrhea were; age < 12 months (AOR = 8.87, P = 0.014), male gender (AOR = 0.08, P = 0.001), coming from a home with another person with diarrhea (AOR = 17.82, P = 0.001) or a home where the water source was a well (AOR = 50.17, P = 0.002). Conclusion The prevalence of rotavirus diarrhea was three times less in the post rotavirus vaccination period compared to pre-rota vaccination period. Majority of the participants with rotavirus diarrhea had some dehydration. There is need for provision of safe water sources to all homes. Surveillance to determine the cause of the non rota diarrhea should be done.