Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents and
caregivers regarding gastroenteritis among children under five years at Fort Portal City
Regional Health Hospital (FRRH). The study involved 96 participants and found a 16.7%
gastroenteritis prevalence. Caregivers' knowledge of gastroenteritis was low, with only those
with children with the disease and those without it could describe it. A significant correlation
was found between gastroenteritis occurrence and caregivers' attitude towards sanitation.
Caregivers who considered poor sanitation as not associated with gastroenteritis were at a
75% risk of developing the disease. Exclusive breastfeeding was found to be a protective
factor against gastroenteritis, with 57.5% of children who had EBF never developing the
disease. The study suggests that the population needs to be educated about gastroenteritis
and the government should improve clean water and sanitation services to reduce infection
exposure.