Comparing Diarrhea Incidence in Low- and High-Income Urban Neighborhoods

Ivan Mutebi

Department of Pharmacognosy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: ivan.mutebi@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

ABSTRACT

Diarrheal diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in urban populations, particularly among children under five, with a disproportionate burden in low-income neighborhoods. This review examines the incidence of diarrhea across low- and high-income urban communities, highlighting the influence of socioeconomic status, environmental conditions, health behaviors, and access to healthcare. Low-income areas face overcrowding, poor sanitation, unsafe water, and limited healthcare access, resulting in elevated disease risk, while high-income neighborhoods benefit from robust infrastructure, better hygiene practices, and timely medical care. Evidence underscores the need for integrated, context-specific interventions, including improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, targeted vaccination programs, community-led health education, and strengthened primary healthcare services. Broader urban planning measures, such as flood mitigation and equitable resource allocation, are also essential. Implementing coordinated strategies across socioeconomic strata can reduce diarrheal incidence, prevent morbidity and mortality, and promote health equity, fostering sustainable urban development and resilient, healthy communities.

Keywords: Diarrheal diseases; urban health; socioeconomic disparities; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

CITE AS: Ivan Mutebi (2026). Comparing Diarrhea Incidence in Low- and High-Income Urban Neighborhoods. IAA  Journal of Applied Sciences 14(1):110-114.

https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJAS/2026/141110114