15. 'Abed, Y., El-Shawwa, R., and El-Masri, M. Gaza Persistent Diarrhea Case Control Study. Gaza: Gaza Health Services Research Center, 1996: 29 pp.

Factors associated with increased risk for persistent diarrhea (PD) have not been examined in the Gaza Strip. Accordingly, a case control study was conducted using a sample of 110 children with PD, aged 0 to 3 years to represent the cases. Diarrhea and healthy control cases were matched for sex, locality and age. The data were analyzed using EpiInfo and SPSS. Results indicate that a statistically significant association exists between PD and both systemic and enteric infections. PD is associated with environmental conditions mainly through the interrupted source of water, the absence of a central sewage system and the absence of a refrigerator at home. Exclusive breast-feeding minimizes the risk of PD. The study also shows that children with PD have a lower mean in height and weight than diarrhea and healthy control cases. Recommendations will be made in the future.