Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Under-Five Children in Enugu Southeast Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) constitute the major causes of mortality and morbidity among under-five children of the developing world. The prevalence of ARIs is determined individually or collectively by a number of factors which may be prevalent in our environment. Aim: The present study is aimed to determine the risk factors that affect the prevalence of ARIs in under-five children in Enugu. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 436 under-five children diagnosed with ARI was carried out in three hospitals in Enugu. Participants were consecutively enrolled after being diagnosed as a case of ARI. Structured pro foma was used to collect sociodemographic characteristics; anthropometric data and risk profile. Data were analyzed using Epi info version 6.0 and significant probability value was 5 . Results: A total of 436 patients were enrolled for the study 224 males and 212 females M F 1.061. The mean age of the population was 18.75(13.38) months and there were 31.6 (138/436) cases of pneumonia 6.9 (30/436) cases of bronchiolitis and 61.5 (268/436) cases of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Children less than 20 months accounted for 60.9 (84/138 cases) of pneumonia; 86.7 (26/30 cases) of bronchiolitis; and 64.5 (173/268 cases) of acute upper respiratory tract infections. Pneumonia was noted in about 75.7 (56/74) of inadequately nourished children compared to 22.6 (82/362) in adequately nourished children. Other risk factors identified in the study include inadequate breast feeding; poor immunization statues; attendance to daycare centers; large family size; poor parental educational statues; parental smoking; living in the urban area and use of biofuels. Conclusion: ARIs are affected by socio-demographic and socio-cultural risk factors; which can be modified with simple strategies. It is recommended that control program for ARIs should be multifaceted with a strong political will