Diarrhoeal diseases remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five years, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, despite progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions, diarrhoea continues to significantly affect child health. The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS 2022) reports that approximately 12% of children under five experience diarrhoea in a two-week period, with even higher rates reported in urban informal settlements due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate access to clean water, and weak waste management systems.
Mabatini, a densely populated informal settlement in Mwanza City, is characterized by steep terrain, limited drainage, shared or poorly maintained toilets, and unreliable access to safe drinking water. These environmental and infrastructural challenges make children especially vulnerable to diarrhoeal diseases.
Despite these risks, there is limited localized data on the prevalence of diarrhoea and associated household-level risk factors in Mabatini. This study aims to fill that gap by estimating the prevalence of diarrhoea in under-five children and identifying environmental and behavioral determinants. The findings will inform targeted WASH interventions and public health strategies for improving child health outcomes in Mwanza’s informal settlements.