Assessment of modifiable risk factors for acute lower Respiratory tract infections in under-five children

Abstract

Background: Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) continues to be the biggest killer worldwide of children under 5 years of age. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify and assess the modifiable risk factors for ALRTI in children under 5 years of age. Materials and Methods: This prospective case–control study was conducted in the pediatrics department of a tertiary care pediatric hospital. A sample size of 106 cases and 106 controls were selected. A detailed general and systemic examination (including respiratory and heart rate measurements, anthropometry, and nutritional assessment) along with the routine hematological
investigations and chest X rays was done in both cases and controls. Other specific investigations were done as per requirement in individual cases, and all the cases were treated as per the standard protocol depending on the type of ALRTI. Chi-square-test was used and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant risk factors identified with increased incidence of ALRTI included incomplete immunization for age, low socioeconomic status, families having more than two under-five children at home, family history of moking, respiratory infections, overcrowding, use of biomass as fuel for cooking, lack of ventilation, not having separate kitchen, low birth weight, pre-lacteal feeding, lack of exclusive breastfeeding for 4–6 months, malnutrition, and anemia. Conclusion: The present study identifies various significant risk factors for severe pneumonia in under-five children.