Epidemiological Patterns and Clinical Consequences of Rotavirus Gastroenteritis amongst Children in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aleid Mohammed Sami , Aljardan Salman , Alqahtani Salem , Omar Eyad , Alqahtani Muath , Alzahrani Anwar , Alotaibi Saad , Alsamir Abdulrahman , Alatawi Omniyyah , Alharbi Khalid , Alkhars Ola Ahmad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The study of rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) is vital due to its significant contribution to childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income countries. Rotavirus (RV), especially species A, is known for its faecal-oral transmission and severe clinical symptoms in children under five. Despite the introduction of effective vaccines, such as Rotarix and RotaTeq, and their integration into national programmes, including in Saudi Arabia, focussed research on the prevalence and impact of RV in Saudi Arabian children is scarce. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating RVGE in this demographic, considering unique epidemiological patterns and healthcare challenges in Saudi Arabia. The study tests two hypotheses: the prevalence of RVGE in Saudi Arabian children is higher than the global average, and there is a significant correlation between demographic and socioeconomic factors and the risk of RVGE.

Methods:
Employing a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted across various healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia, targeting children aged 0–5 years. Participants were included based on residency in Saudi Arabia and specific age criteria, with non-consent and incomplete data as exclusion factors. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, capturing demographic data and details on RVGE prevalence, symptoms and impact. The questionnaire was designed by paediatric and epidemiological experts and pre-tested for clarity. Ethical considerations were strictly followed, with approval from the Institutional Review Board of each facility. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS, focussing on demographic characteristics and the prevalence of RVGE.

Results:
The study revealed a high prevalence of RVGE symptoms amongst children, with a significant portion diagnosed with the disease. The findings highlighted demographic factors such as age, gender and parental education level as influential in RVGE prevalence. The most affected were children aged 49–60 months and males. The study also found correlations between RVGE and various risk factors, such as day-care attendance, household size, monthly income and indoor smoking habits.

Conclusion:
This study provides crucial insights into the prevalence and impact of RVGE in Saudi Arabian children, emphasising the importance of RV vaccination and hygiene practices. It highlights the vulnerability of older children and those from lower educational backgrounds to RV infection. These findings are significant for public health, suggesting targeted interventions for vulnerable groups and informing health promotion strategies. The study contributes valuable data that can guide healthcare policies to enhance the well-being of Saudi Arabian children and reduce the incidence of RVGE.