Prevalencia de gastroenteritis en menores de 5 años que son atendidos en un Hospital de la ciudad de Guayaquil. Periodo 2020 – 2022.

Abstract

Gastroenteritis, which involves gastrointestinal inflammation with symptoms such as pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, can lead to serious dehydration in 5- year-old children, being caused by viruses and bacteria; in addition to factors such as age, nutrition and inadequate treatment that intensify dehydration. Objective: To determine the prevalence of gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age who are treated at a Hospital in the City of Guayaquil. Methodology: descriptive, quantitative, retrospective, cross-sectional. Population: 150 children under 5 years of age diagnosed with gastroenteritis. Technique: Indirect observation, Instrument: Indirect Observation Matrix. Results: Among the characteristics, a prevalence was observed in children from 0 to 12 months of age (54%), as well as a predominance of the male gender (61%), residents of urban areas (94%). Regarding the type of gastroenteritis, a prevalence of 64% was identified in its acute form, with viruses being responsible in 60% of cases. Regarding clinical manifestations, diarrhea was the most common, representing 37%. Complications also played a crucial role, with dehydration prevailing in 40% among children under 5 years of age. Conclusion: In the General Hospital of the North, Los Ceibos, registered a prevalence rate of 5.28% of cases of gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age. The importance of acute gastroenteritis caused by viruses and its link with dehydration stand out as significant findings, emphasizing the need for appropriate interventions and treatments to prevent and manage this condition in the child population.