Electrolyte Imbalance and Its Clinical Physiological Implications Among Adults with Chronic Diarrhoeal Disease in Rural Kebbi State, North West Nigeria

Background: Diarrhoeal disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in rural northern Nigeria, where access to oral rehydration therapy and clean water is limited. Chronic and repeated diarrhoeal episodes cause significant electrolyte depletion, with hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, and metabolic acidosis posing immediate physiological threats. Community-level characterisation of electrolyte imbalance in this population is lacking. Objectives: This study seeks to measure serum sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations in rural adults presenting with chronic diarrhoeal disease at a primary health facility in Kebbi State and to relate findings to severity of diarrhoeal episodes and oral fluid intake practices. Methods: Seventy adults with chronic diarrhoea (more than four loose stools daily for at least two weeks) will be recruited as cases, with thirty non-diarrhoeic community members as controls. Venous blood will be drawn for electrolyte panel analysis by an ion-selective electrode analyser. A dietary fluid intake questionnaire will document rehydration practices. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression will identify predictors of clinically significant electrolyte disturbance. Expected Outcomes: A substantial proportion of diarrhoeic participants are anticipated to exhibit hypokalaemia and hyponatraemia, with inadequate oral rehydration therapy adherence as the dominant predictor. Conclusion: Findings will reinforce community oral rehydration therapy education programmes in North West Nigeria. Keywords: electrolyte imbalance, chronic diarrhoea, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, Kebbi State.