# Regional and age-specific global trends associated with infectious diarrhea in children under 14 years old caused by pathogenic microorganisms in 2021

## TL;DR

This study analyzed global trends in infectious diarrhea among children under 14 in 2021, highlighting regional and age-specific patterns in morbidity, mortality, and risk factors.

## Contribution

The study provides updated global and regional insights into the burden of infectious diarrhea in children, emphasizing risk factors and pathogen-specific impacts.

## Key findings

- In 2021, 168.73 million cases of childhood diarrhea occurred globally, with the highest incidence in low- and medium-SDI regions and South Asia.
- Unsafe water sources were identified as the most significant risk factor for diarrheal disease across all age groups.
- Rotavirus was the leading pathogen causing death and disability in most age groups, except for the 2–4 year old group.

## Abstract

This study aimed to systematically analyze the morbidity and mortality of infectious diarrhea in children under 14 years old caused by pathogenic microorganisms globally and their temporal trends.

This study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis using the database provided by the Global Burden of Disease 2021 (GBD 2021). The mortality, morbidity, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of childhood diarrhea from 1990 to 2021 were stratified and analyzed using multivariate regression models and the calculation of estimated annual percentage change (EAPC).

In 2021, the total number of cases of diarrhea in children aged 0–14 years worldwide was 168.73 million. The number of cases was highest in low- and medium-SDI regions, and the incidence in South Asia was ranking first in the world. The highest incidence was in neonates, while the incidence in the 10–14 year old group has increased by 36.5% since 1990. The highest mortality rate was found in low SDI areas. In terms of risk factors, multivariate regression analysis showed that unsafe water sources were the most important risk factors for all age groups, and growth retardation in children and unsafe sanitation conditions also significantly increased the burden of diarrhea. Except for the 2–4 age group, the top three pathogens causing death and DALY in other age groups were Rotavirus, Adenovirus, and Shigella, with Rotavirus being the primary pathogen in all age groups.

Although the global burden of diarrhea has decreased significantly, it is still high in low-income countries and low- and medium-SDI areas, and newborns are at high risk. Unsafe water sources are the main risk factor for diarrheal deaths in children of all ages.