Behind the diaper: Unveiling prevalence and associated factors of diaper rash among infants

Introduction: Commonly termed diaper rash (DR), diaper dermatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the perineal area of infants. Given its frequent occurrence, understanding its epidemiology is crucial. This study aims to determine the prevalence of DR and identify its associated factors among infants attending immunization clinics in the Bope-Poddala Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using systematic sampling to select infants from immunization clinics in the Bope-Poddala MOH area. Data on demographic details, DR symptoms over the past six weeks, and potential associated factors were collected via a pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire describing the specific symptomatology of the diaper dermatitis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 25).
Results: Of 254 infants, 57.5% were female, with a median age of 6 months (IQR 3-8). A total of 57.1% were exclusively breastfed. Regarding diaper usage, 80% used either cloth or disposable diapers, with specific usage at 4% for cloth and 16% for disposable alone. The median frequency of diaper changes was 10 times per day (IQR 4-13). DR was observed in 24 infants (9.4%), with significant associations found between its occurrence and both concomitant diarrhoeal illness (χ²=28.496, p<0.05) and infrequent daytime diaper changes (χ²=12.129, p<0.05). No significant correlations were noted with age, gender, weight, type of diaper, nighttime changes, family income, or caregiver education level.
Conclusions: DR affects approximately one-tenth of infants, with less frequent daytime diaper changes and concurrent diarrhoeal illnesses being significant risk factors. These findings highlight the importance of improving caregiver awareness and diaper hygiene practices to potentially reduce DR prevalence.