OBJECTIVES: to determine diarrhea prevalence and to identify factors associated to the condition in children living in subnormal settlement areas. METHODS: a cross-sectional population-based study was used. The sample studied totaled 655 children. Data collection was performed through home interviews with the mother or caretaker. Logistic regression models were used to identify diarrhea associated factors. RESULTS: diarrhea prevalence was of 17.5%. Condition associated factors included child hospitalization during the first month of life; children looked after by others and not the mother; higher education level of the caretaker and longer residency period, as protection factors and as individual risk factors associated diseases and young age and as factors for collective risk, mine water consumption; sewage disposal on the streets or in the yard; inadequate garbage disposal and flies. CONCLUSIONS: to fight diarrhea special care should be given to health and nutrition of children under five years old, including adequate and quality environmental sanitation services.
Diarrhea; infantile; Child welfare; Sanitation; Water; Sewage
