Childhood diarrheal infections among the multi hazard disaster risk zones in Bangladesh: A household level analysis.

Bangladesh's geographic and climatic conditions make it highly disaster-prone, increasing the vulnerability of under-five children to diarrheal infections. This study analyzed the MICS Bangladesh 2019 dataset using a multivariable logistic regression model to assess diarrhea prevalence in low, moderate, and high multi-hazard risk zones, focusing on floods, tornadoes, cyclones, and earthquakes. Diarrhea prevalence was highest in high-risk zones (7.71 %), followed by moderate (5.98 %) and low-risk zones (4.67 %). Socioeconomic factors such as male gender, urban residence, extreme poverty, and lack of handwashing facilities were associated with a higher risk of diarrhea in high-risk zones, though this link was weaker in moderate and low-risk zones. Public health officials and aid organizations must mitigate increased diarrheal disease risks following extreme events. Interventions should prioritize high-risk areas through awareness campaigns, early warning systems, improved water sanitation and hygiene in moderate to high-risk zones, and vaccination, particularly for impoverished households in disaster-prone regions.