Determinants of Zinc Supplementation Utilization among Under-Five Children with Diarrhoea: A Systematic Review

Aprilya Roza  Werdani; Fitria  Mushollini; Icha Pranata  Utami; Dini Nurmaita 'Aini; Rahayu Rika  Destia; Hadijah  Canmay; Ribby  Gustiyanni

doi:10.64141/pmhs.v2i2.66

Authors

Aprilya Roza Werdani Institut Kesehatan Mitra Bunda
Fitria Mushollini
Icha Pranata Utami Program Studi Gizi, Universitas Adzkia, Padang, Indonesia
Dini Nurmaita 'Aini Program Studi Gizi, Universitas Adzkia, Padang, Indonesia
Rahayu Rika Destia Program Studi Gizi, Universitas Adzkia, Padang, Indonesia
Hadijah Canmay Program Studi Gizi, Universitas Adzkia, Padang, Indonesia
Ribby Gustiyanni Program Studi Gizi, Universitas Adzkia, Padang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64141/pmhs.v2i2.66

Keywords:

Access to Healthcare Facilities, Childhood Diarrhoea, Maternal Factors, Supplement Utilization, Zinc Supplementation

Abstract

Diarrhoea remains a major public health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Although the World Health Organization recommends zinc supplementation as an adjunct therapy for childhood diarrhoea, its utilization remains suboptimal. This study systematically synthesized evidence on determinants of zinc supplementation utilization among children under five with diarrhoea. A systematic search was conducted in Taylor & Francis, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for studies published between 2020 and 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Nine eligible studies were included, reporting zinc utilization prevalence ranging from 8.96% to 43.58%. Higher utilization was associated with maternal education, younger maternal age, media exposure, higher household income, smaller family size, health insurance coverage, prior awareness of zinc supplementation, and improved access to healthcare services. Lower utilization was observed among female children, rural residents, larger households, younger infants, and caregivers seeking initial treatment from non-formal sources. Strengthening caregiver education, improving healthcare access, and promoting zinc supplementation through primary healthcare systems are essential to improve childhood diarrhoea management.

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