Diarreas agudas y prácticas de alimentación en niños menores de cinco años en México

Objective. To estimate the prevalence of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) during the two weeks previous to the inter- view among children <5 years of age and to describe alarm signs and feeding practices of parents and caregivers (PCG) during childrens ADD. Materials and methods. Analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys 2012 and 2006 and the National Health Survey 2000. Results. ADD prevalence decreased significantly from 2006 (13.1%) to 2012 (11.0%), particularly in the lower socioeconomic status. "Frequent bowel movements" were the main warning sign identified by PCG (66.0%) in contrast to "crying without tears" (4.3%) and "blood in faeces" (0.5%); only 42% PCG reported administering oral rehydration therapy. Factors associated with ADD were childs age <1 year and mothers age <20 years. Conclusions. It is necessary to reinforce ap- propriate ADD preventive and treatment practices among PCG of children <5 years of age.