The morbidity of displacement: epidemiological status, determinants, and knowledge of diarrheal diseases in Gaza (2023–2025)

Gaza War 2023–2025 has brought about an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 1.9 million people into overflowing camps. The catastrophic collapse of water and sanitation networks, has caused the spread of diarrhea-related illnesses especially among young children. To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and level of hygiene awareness regarding diarrheal diseases among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mawasi Khan Yunis camps, Gaza Strip. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 601 displaced persons within the Mawasi camps. An Arabic structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. The questionnaire included demographic factors, health-related issues, and risk factors such as environmental and diseases-related, as well as awareness and knowledge regarding hygiene. At least 92.8% reported having suffered from diarrhea since displacement, whereas nearly a third of respondents suffered from the condition at the time the study was conducted. Characteristic clinical manifestations included abdominal pain in 83.5%, loss of appetite in 72.7%, and dehydration. Major contributing factors included the use of untreated water 49.1%, lack of sanitation facilities 9%, and insect infestation 70.7%. Even though 44.6% of participants reported frequent washing of hands, two-thirds used contaminated sources of water. Statistically significant associations were found between the prevalence of diarrhea, and educational status, household size, potability of water, and degree of sanitation in addition to other factors. Nevertheless, a high percentage of study participants reported a high level of knowledge regarding diarrheal diseases. There is an alarming public health crisis in Gaza among the displaced population. The war-related collapse of all major essential infrastructure, especially regarding sufficient water and sanitation, has monumentally contributed to the increase in diarrhea-related morbidity. Immediate interventions that provides readily accessible potable water, revamping sanitation and improving awareness regarding the prevention of this contagious disease is vital.