Introduction globally diarrhea is rated as the second leading cause of mortality among children below the age of five years. The highest rates of morbidity and mortality as a result of diarrhea are reported in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia. Studies have documented Somalia as among the countries with significant high rates of diarrhea among children below the age of 5 years. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of diarrhea. Methods the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design where data was collected using semi structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling was employed to identify caregivers that were included in the study. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20 at 95% confidence interval. Both descriptive and regression analysis were carried out. The data was presented using tables and graphs. Ethical clearance was sought from University of Eastern Africa Baraton ethical review committee. Permission and consent were sought from the administrative leadership of Bondhere district and caregivers respectively. Results the prevalence of diarrhea among children under 5 years was 22.4%. Socio-demographic factors reported to significantly influence the prevalence of diarrhea among children under years were caregiver education level and number of children under 5 years. Conclusion the prevalence of diarrhea among children under 5 years was considerably high. Several socio-demographic factors were associated with diarrhea. The study recommends improvement of education and sensitization of communities on family planning.

Background: Post-COVID-19 sequalae involves a variety of new, returning or ongoing symptoms that people experience more than four weeks after getting COVID-19. The aims of this meta-analysis were to assess the prevalence of Post-Acute COVID-19 sequalae and estimate the average time to its diagnosis; and meta-regress for possible moderators. Methods: A standard search strategy was used in PubMed, and then later modified according to each specific database. Search terms included; long COVID-19 or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome/sequalae. The criteria for inclusion were published clinical articles reporting the long COVID-19, further, the average time to diagnosis of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae among primary infected patients with COVID-19. Random-effects model was used. Rank Correlation and Eggers tests were used to ascertain publication bias. Sub-group, sensitivity and meta-regression analysis were conducted. A 95% confidence intervals were presented and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Review Manager 5.4 and comprehensive meta-analysis version 4 (CMA V4) were used for the analysis. The trial was PROSPERO registered (CRD42022328509). Results: Prevalence of post-acute COVID-19 sequalae was 42.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 36 % to 49.3%). The PACS event rates range was 25 % at four months and 66 % at two months and mostly, signs and symptoms of PASC were experienced at three (54.3%, P < 0.0001) to six months (57%, P < 0.0001), further increasing at 12 months (57.9%, P= 0.0148). At an average of two months, however with the highest event rate (66%), it was not significantly associated with PACS diagnosis (P=0.08). On meta-regression, comorbidities collectively contributed to 14% of PACS with a non-significant correlation (Q = 7.05, df = 8, p = 0.5313) (R-squared analog = 0.14). A cardiovascular disorder especially hypertension as a stand-alone, showed an event rate of 32% and significantly associated with PACS, 0.322 (95% CI 0.166, 0.532) (P < 0.001). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and abnormal basal metabolic index (BMI) had higher event rates of PACS (59.8 % and 55.9 %) respectively, with a non-significant correlation (P > 0.05). With a significant association, hospital re-admission contributed to 17% (Q = 8.70, df = 1, p = 0.0032) (R-squared analog= 0.17) and the study design 26% (Q = 14.32, df = 3, p = 0.0025) (R-squared analog= 0.26). All the covariates explained at least some of the variance in effect size on PACS at 53% (Q = 38.81, df = 19, p = 0.0047) (R-squared analog = 0.53). Conclusion: The prevalence of PACS in general population was 42.5%, of which cardiovascular disorders were highly linked with it with COPD and abnormal BMI also being possible conditions found in patients with PACS. Hospital re-admission predicted highly, an experience of PACS as well as prospective study design. Clinical and methodological characteristics in a specific study contributed to over 50% of PACS events. The PACS event rates ranged between 25 % at four months and 66 % at two months with most signs and symptoms experienced between three to six months increasing at 12 months.