Assessment of Childhood Diarrhoea Prevention Practices Among Caregivers in Kebbi State

Childhood diarrhoea prevention depends critically on caregiver knowledge and the consistent application of hygiene and feeding practices, yet these behaviours are inconsistently adopted across low-income communities in northern Nigeria. This study assessed childhood diarrhoea prevention practices and their determinants among caregivers of children under five in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Birnin Kebbi and Argungu LGAs, enrolling 260 caregivers through multistage sampling from primary healthcare facility catchment areas. A structured questionnaire assessed handwashing practices, safe water storage, food hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding history, oral rehydration therapy knowledge, and timely care seeking. A 15-item knowledge score and practice adequacy composite were computed. Results showed adequate knowledge of diarrhoea prevention in 58.8 percent of respondents, but adequate preventive practices were demonstrated by only 41.2 percent. Consistent handwashing with soap before food preparation was reported by 33.1 percent. Appropriate use of oral rehydration solution was known by only 48.5 percent. Significant predictors of adequate practices included high knowledge scores (OR 3.4; p < 0.001), maternal literacy (OR 2.7; p < 0.001), and access to piped or borehole water (OR 2.2; p < 0.01). The study recommends community health worker-led diarrhoea prevention education, soap distribution programmes, and sustained WASH infrastructure investment in rural Kebbi State communities. Keywords: diarrhoea prevention, childhood diarrhoea, caregivers, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria