Diarrheal disease in a regional hospital in Basrah, some aspects of the disease

A total of 602 patients under five years of age were admitted to Basrah General Hospital suffering from diarrheal diseases. Diarrhea was more among those children under one year of age [61.6%]. Male to female ratio [1.3:1]. Diarrhea morbidity was less common among children receiving breast milk [25.5%], and diarrhea mortality had significant relationship with bottle fed children, and children who were malnourished. The majority of cases with diarrhea treated in health facilities were given drugs and oral rehydration solution [71.7%]. Oral rehydration solution had not been used as the only measure for treatment of acute diarrhea