Modifiable risk factors for acute lower respiratory tract infections in hospital admitted children between 2 months to 5 years of age

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are known to cause morbidity and mortality from time immemorial. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most important single cause of global burden of disease in young children and the largest single cause of mortality.

Objectives: 1.To identify various modifiable risk factors for acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 2 months to 5 years of age. 2.To identify the type of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in hospitalized children between 2 months to 5 years of age.

Methodology: A hospital-based Case-Control Study was conducted between July 2012 to June 2013 in Department of Pediatrics, Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh among 300 cases and 300 controls.

Results:Among Socio demographic profile Parents illiteracy, incomplete immunization for age, overcrowding and family history of ARI. were significant independent risk factors for ALRI. Among nutritional risk factors low birth weight, lack of breast feeding, anemia and malnutrition were significant independent risk factors for ALRI. Among environmental risk factors absence of separate kitchen was significant independent risk factor for ALRI.

Conclusion:The independent risk factors for ALRI are parental illiteracy, lack of immunization, and overcrowding, family history of ARI, low birth weight, lack of breast feeding, anemia, malnutrition and absence of separate kitchen.