Level of awareness, preparedness, and incidence of acute gastroenteritis among households of Dungon B, Jaro, Iloilo City

Abstract

In 2022, Iloilo City experienced an Acute Gastroenteritis outbreak affecting six barangays due to contaminated water sources, inadequate food handling, poor sanitation, and misconceptions about vaccinations. This study examined the awareness and preparedness of residents in Dungon B, Jaro, Iloilo City, during the outbreak from July 26 to August 28, 2022, which saw ninety cases and four deaths. The study aimed to identify knowledge gaps and recommend better prevention strategies by assessing the demographics, awareness, and preparedness of 226 households using a descriptive-correlational design and Two-Stage Cluster Sampling method. The findings intended to improve local health interventions against gastroenteritis. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to examine relationships between variables. The study found that most respondents were either 31 years or younger (36.3%) or 42 years or older (34.3%), with a higher proportion of females (56.9%). Educational attainment significantly influenced both awareness and preparedness for acute gastroenteritis, with higher education correlating with better outcomes. Although age and sex did not significantly impact awareness or preparedness, higher levels of both were linked to lower incidences of gastroenteritis, highlighting the importance of education in disease prevention. Awareness involves recognizing and valuing important information, while preparedness entails implementing measures to mitigate risks effectively. Incidence measures the prevalence of a health condition over a specific period. Acute gastroenteritis is a sudden diarrheal disease, particularly affecting children, despite advanced healthcare. Outbreaks are unexpected increases in disease cases in a specific area and time. Age is defined by time since birth, impacting societal roles. Educational attainment influences individual potential and contributions. Higher education correlates with better outcomes in awareness and preparedness for acute gastroenteritis, underscoring education's role in prevention.