Prevalence and determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections in children under five in rural mysuru: insights from a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years

of age, particularly in rural regions. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of ARIs in such settings is

essential for developing targeted interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify the key

determinants of ARIs in children under five in rural Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

Materials & methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Mysuru from January to June 2024. A

sample of 400 children under five years old was selected using a convenience sampling method. Data on

sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and family background, breastfeeding practices and ARI

symptoms and episodes were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire by interviewing the mother of the

child. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentages were used and inferential statistics like the Chi-square

test and Fisher’s Exact test were used to find the factors associated with ARIs.

Results

The overall prevalence of ARI in the rural area was found to be 46.8 % in the study. Exclusive breastfeeding for six

months showed a statistically significant association with acute respiratory infections (ARI) (p = 0.001). 48.3% of

exclusively breastfed children experienced ARI. Gender (p = 0.001) and a history of hospital admission (p= 0.000)

were also significantly associated with ARI, with female children and previously hospitalized children more affected.

Other factors, including age, birth weight, family type, and breastfeeding duration, showed no significant

association.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a clear association between exclusive breastfeeding for six months and a reduced incidence

of acute respiratory infections (ARI) among children under five. Additionally, gender and prior hospital admissions

were also identified as significant risk factors for ARI, indicating that females and previously hospitalized children

are more vulnerable to these infections. These findings suggest the need for enhanced breastfeeding support and

targeted interventions to mitigate ARI prevalence in young children.