Factors Associated with Diarrhea Diseases among the Boarding Secondary School Students of Rulindo District, Rwanda.

Valentine Munganyinka; Berehe Fisseh

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89663

Factors Associated with Diarrhea Diseases among the Boarding Secondary School Students of Rulindo District, Rwanda.

Author(s)	Ms. Valentine Munganyinka, Berehe Fisseh
Country	Rwanda
Abstract	Abstract Diarrheal diseases remain a significant public health concern among school-aged children, particularly in boarding schools where communal living conditions may facilitate disease transmission. This study assessed factors associated with diarrheal diseases among boarding secondary school students at GS APAPEC Murambi in Rulindo District, Rwanda. Specifically, the study examined the prevalence of diarrheal diseases, contributing factors, effects on students’ academic and psychosocial well-being, and existing prevention and management strategies. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study design employing mixed methods was used. Qualitative data were collected from seven school staff using structured questionnaires, while quantitative data were obtained from 174 students. Observation was also conducted to assess water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic regression, and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that diarrheal diseases were relatively uncommon but remained a recurring health concern, with 71.5% of respondents reporting either rare or occasional cases. Lower-level students (S1–S3) were significantly more vulnerable to diarrheal diseases than upper-level students (AOR = 2.31, p = 0.044). Significant factors associated with diarrheal disease vulnerability included inadequate handwashing with soap (AOR = 3.12, p = 0.012), water shortages during the dry season (AOR = 2.74, p = 0.028), limited access to safe drinking water (AOR = 2.58, p = 0.026), poor personal hygiene (AOR = 2.46, p = 0.032), and poor hygiene practices at home (AOR = 2.37, p = 0.040). Diarrheal diseases were associated with poor concentration, reduced attendance, emotional distress, stigma, and lower participation in extracurricular activities. Effective prevention strategies included referral of affected students to health facilities, school health policies, sanitation activities, and health education campaigns. The study concludes that sustained improvements in WASH infrastructure, hygiene promotion, water supply systems, and school health programs are essential for reducing diarrheal diseases and improving students’ health, psychosocial well-being, and academic performance in boarding schools.
Keywords	Diarrhea diseases, Boarding school students, water, sanitation, hygiene
Field	Sociology > Health
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-15
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.89663

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Factors Associated with Diarrhea Diseases among the Boarding Secondary School Students of Rulindo District, Rwanda.

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