Summary:
Background: The use of disposable diaper is gradually
increasing for the infants in our country. However, the major
hazard of diaper is diaper dermatitis. The magnitude of
diaper related hazards is unknown in Bangladesh. This
study was conducted to assess the frequency of hazards of
wearing diaper among infants.
Objectives: The study was conducted (i) to observe diaper
related hazards among infants and (ii) to assess the factors
affecting diaper related hazards.
Materials and Methods: This observational study was
conducted at department of Pediatrics of Dhaka Medical
College Hospital & Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
University during May to September 2012. Fifty children
aged 7 days to 12 months wearing disposable diaper for at
least 7 days were enrolled in this study. A face to face
interview was taken and finding were recorded on a preset
questionnaire. The infants were also examined for presence
of diaper rash. Obtained data were analyzed thoroughly by
SPSS 21.
Results: Among 50 children, 24(48%) male and 26(52%)
female infants. Of them 13(26%) infants developed diaper
rash in their diaper wearing time. The age distribution of
the cases was 3(23.1%) below 01 months; 2(15.3%) 1-6
months and 8(61.6%) 7-12 months. Six (24%) male infant
and 7(27%) female infant developed rash in their diaper
wearing time. Diapers are mostly used by solvent families
as diapers are not cost effective. The frequency 84.6%,
increases with increased duration of using a single diaper
at a time for more than 4 hours without change whereas
those who changed diaper more frequently every 3-4 hours
and 1-2 hours have diaper rash 15.4% and 0% respectively.
Conclusion: From the result of the present study it can be
concluded that the frequency of diaper rash is increased with
increasing age of infants and use of diaper for long duration.
(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2017; 35: 170-173)