Study Of Risk Factors Associated With Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection In Children At Tertiary Care Centre (6 Months- 60 Months)

Risk Factors Associated With Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection In Children At Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in developing countries. The present study is an attempt to understand the various risk factors associated with acute LRTI; using these observations strategies can be implemented to reduce the burden of the disease. Objectives (1) To determine association of risk factors like socio-demographic, environmental, Natal and Nutritional with acute LRTI (2) To categorize the studied risk factors as Definite, Probable and Possible factors. Material & Methodology: Study was conducted at tertiary care hospital over one year. Children of age between 6 months to 60 months admitted in pediatric wards with acute LRTI were included and those who had chronic illness were excluded. It is questioner based observational cross sectional study. Detailed history of exposure to various risk factors were taken on the basis of predesigned Proforma. Data was analyzed as per standard statistical method and significance was noted. Result: Total 241 children were enrolled and total 20 risk factors were studied; divided into socio demographic, environmental, perinatal and nutritional headings. We found exposure to biomass fuel, passive smoking, and lack of exclusive breastfeeding, LBW and malnutrition as definitive risk factor as their association with LRTI was significant (p < 0.05). We observed and categorized other factors into possible and probable category as per the occurrence. Conclusion: We have categorized the risk factors as: Definite, Possible and Probable. Since these risk factors are potentially preventable, health policies targeted at reducing their prevalence provide a basis for decreasing the burden of LRTI in children. [Shah B Natl J Integr Res Med, 2021; 12(2):06-11]