Three or more loose stools per day, or more frequent passages than is typical for an individual, are considered
diarrhea. In addition to rapidly resulting in dehydration, diarrhea can negatively affect a child's growth and cognitive
development. Since children have a larger surface area and lose fluids more quickly, diarrhea can lead to dehydration
and mortality as well as long-term consequences like malnutrition. Even though the majority of diarrhea episodes
in children are minor, acute occurrences can cause significant fluid loss and dehydration. If fluids are not replaced as
soon as diarrhea appears, this might lead to death or other serious effects. Fortunately, diarrhea is curable and
preventative. In this study, the causes of diarrheal illnesses in children under five who are patients at Hoima Regional
Referral Hospital were evaluated. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. It employed both quantitative and
qualitative research techniques for gathering and analyzing data. Youngsters under the age of five who experienced
diarrhea within the six months before to the study were examined. There were 241 in the sample. Children under
five who visit Hoima Regional Referral Hospital have a moderately high prevalence of diarrhea. The age range of 1-
3 years old, having an open spring or well as a water source, and discarding household waste within the compound
have all been linked to an increase in the occurrence of diarrhea. While caregivers could accurately advice regarding
preventive measures, their understanding of the proper treatment of severe diarrhea was lacking, particularly with
regard to dehydration. Therefore, in order to reduce the high rate of diarrhea in children under five, the government
should make it very easy for people to access safe water. Health education programs focusing on these aspects should
also be strengthened in order to train caregivers in home management, which will effectively and sustainably
contribute to a reduction in child mortality.
Keywords: Dehydration, Diarrhea, Health education, Child mortality, Children