Abstract

Although there has been a considerable global decline in diarrhea-related mortality, the number of children still
losing their lives to these illnesses is still high, especially in low-income nations. According to a research done at
Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Fort Portal City, 18.3% of children under the age of five have diarrhea.
Caretakers who were 18 to 19 years old, those who had just completed their primary education, and those who
drank water from unsafe sources were among the sociodemographic characteristics linked to diarrheal illnesses.
Mothers using public faucets and never washing their hands after using the restroom were examples of
environmental influences. Children who had diarrhea were 20 times more likely to have mothers who never
washed their hands after using the restroom. According to the study's findings, there is a moderately high
incidence of diarrhea in children under five who are treated at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. While
caregivers provide accurate information about prevention strategies, they lack knowledge about the proper
management of acute diarrhea, especially in relation to dehydration. The government ought to promote safe water
access and teach mothers to wash their hands after using the restroom.