CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1. Background of the study

Diarrhea is an alteration in the normal bowel movement characterized by an increase in the volume, fluidity, Frequency, and passage of loose of watery stool for at least three times a day (UNICEF/WHO, 2009). It is a common symptom of gastrointestinal infection due to ingestion of many bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may be transmitted by water, food, utensils, hands, and flies (UNICEF/WHO, 2009). It is the mechanism by which the body rids itself of a pathogenic organism with excessive stimulation of intestinal motility, leaving insufficient time for absorption of intestinal fluid (Keusch et al., 2009). Diarrhea is one of the most important health problems in the developing countries affecting people of all ages that result in electrolyte loss, dehydration, shock, and sometimes death (Snyder and Merson, 2002). Diarrhoeal diseases account for 1 in 9 child deaths worldwide, making diarrhea the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5 (Hutton et al., 2007). In Nigeria, the prevalence of diarrhoeal infection is as high as 18.8%, above the average of 16%, making it one of the worst in sub-Saharan Africa (Olawuyi et al., 2004), while 7-12-month-old babies continue to be the most susceptible. It is caused mainly by poor sanitation and hygiene practices (Audu et al., 2000). The disease may be caused by a wide array of agents such as enteropathogenic microorganisms (Shigella flexneri; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli; Salmonella typhi and Candidia albicans) (Jouret-mourin, and Geboes, 2002), alcohol, irritable bowel syndrome, bile salts and hormones, secretory tumors, and intoxication (Teke et al., 2007). Several options employed in the management of the diseases include oral agents such as metronidazole, antibiotics, and oral rehydration therapy (ORT) (Harman et al., 2001). With over a decade of the practice and promotion of ORT, diarrhea is still the second among the causes of child death (Grant, 2003). In addition, these management options which often fail during a high stool output state are also associated with undesirable side effects such as headache, convulsion, stomach cramp, vomiting, constipation, and hallucination.

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