Global Pediatrics · Published 2026-07-20 · DOI 10.1016/j.gpeds.2026.100365
Mohamed Yusuf Abdi, Deka Adan Hassan, Maaria Sacdi Mohamud
Introduction: Group A rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under five years of age globally. This study evaluated the prevalence and risk factors associated with Group A rotavirus infection among children under five years of age presenting with acute diarrhea in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at two major hospitals in Mogadishu between February and March 2025. Children under five years of age presenting with acute watery diarrhea were enrolled using consecutive sampling. Structured questionnaires were administered to mothers to collect socio-demographic and behavioral data. Stool specimens were collected and analyzed for rotavirus antigens using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bivariable logistic regression was performed, and variables with p < 0.20 were entered into a multivariable model to identify predictors of infection, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among the 279 children enrolled, the rotavirus prevalence was 40.5% (n = 113). Multivariable logistic regression identified commercial water use (aOR = 2.090; 95% CI: 1.238–3.528; p = 0.006) and inadequate maternal handwashing practices (aOR = 2.439; 95% CI: 1.086–5.476; p = 0.031) as strong predictors of infection. Maternal age and marital status showed borderline associations (p < 0.10) but were not statistically significant in the final adjusted model (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Group A rotavirus remains a major cause of acute diarrhea among children under five years of age in Mogadishu, with inadequate handwashing and the use of commercial water as key risk factors, highlighting the need for improved water safety and hygiene interventions.
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Abdi, M., Hassan, D., Mohamud, M. (2026). The terminal pre-vaccination benchmark: Environmental and behavioral drivers of rotavirus gastroenteritis among children under five in Mogadishu, Somalia (2025). Global Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gpeds.2026.100365