Abstract

Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in urban populations, particularly among 
children under five, with a disproportionate burden in low-income neighborhoods. This review examines the 
incidence of diarrhea across low- and high-income urban communities, highlighting the influence of socioeconomic 
status, environmental conditions, health behaviors, and access to healthcare. Low-income areas face overcrowding, 
poor sanitation, unsafe water, and limited healthcare access, resulting in elevated disease risk, while high-income 
neighborhoods benefit from robust infrastructure, better hygiene practices, and timely medical care. Evidence 
underscores the need for integrated, context-specific interventions, including improvements in water, sanitation, 
and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, targeted vaccination programs, community-led health education, and 
strengthened primary healthcare services. Broader urban planning measures, such as flood mitigation and equitable 
resource allocation, are also essential. Implementing coordinated strategies across socioeconomic strata can reduce 
diarrheal incidence, prevent morbidity and mortality, and promote health equity, fostering sustainable urban 
development and resilient, healthy communities.