Differentials in the Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections Among Under-Five Children: An Analysis of 37 Sub-Saharan Countries

Abstract

Objective We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of ARI in children under 5 years old in 37 SSA countries. Methods Data from Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 37 African countries was examined in this analysis. Data from children under the age of 5 years old were examined. Forest plot was used to identify disparities in the occurrence of ARIs across SSA countries. Results We observed a higher prevalence of ARI among children under 5 in Uganda, Kenya, Sao Tome and Principe (9% each), Gabon, Chad, Eswatini (8% each), Burundi, Ethiopia, Congo Democratic Republic (7.0% each). The prevalence of ARI among under-five children who sought medical advice/treatment from health facility was higher in South Africa (88%), Sierra Leone (86%), Tanzanian (85%), Guinea (83%) and Uganda (80%). The prevalence rate of ARI among under-five children who received antibiotics was higher in Tanzania (61%), Sao Tome and Principe (60%), Rwanda and Congo (58% each), Angola (56.0%), Mozambique (54.0%), Kenya (53.0%), Namibia (52.0%) and Gabon (50.0%). This study found that the household wealth index, maternal education, and urban residence were significantly associated with ARI (p <0.001). A higher prevalence of ARI was observed among urban residents, low income families, and those with mothers with lower education. Conclusion ARI prevalence could be reduced by improving household socioeconomic status, child nutrition and community awareness of indoor and outdoor pollution. Interventions and programs focused on early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ARIs are crucial in reducing ARIs particularly in developing countries.

A Narrative Review of Recent Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Ambulatory Care in Tanzania: Findings and Implications

“…The findings in this study highlight considerable issues and concerns regarding the current prescribing practices of antibiotics across the sectors, which can include the excessive prescription of 'Watch' antibiotics in private care settings [74,116,134,137,139]. However, encouragingly, this is generally not the case in Tanzania, with import data showing that 83.1% of imported antibiotics in recent years are from the 'Access' group versus only 10.1% from the 'Watch' group and <0.01% from the 'Reserve' group [27].…”

“…These issues and concerns are important, with Fink et al (2020) finding that the mean number of antibiotics prescribed per sick child visiting a healthcare facility in Tanzania was 0•69 [77], similar to the overall total among eight participating LMICs, including six from Africa [77]. In addition, there was a high rate of prescribing of antibiotics in these children at 61% of attending patients, which is higher than the findings in Rwanda and Congo (58% each) as well as Gabon (50.0%) [74]. Having said this, in their recent systematic review, Acam et al (2023) found that the extent of antimicrobial utilization in Tanzania, at 40% of encounters, was lower than those in Ethiopia (63%), Sudan (62%), and Kenya (54%) [78].…”

“…In addition, there has been mass drug administration of azithromycin for trachoma control in Tanzania, potentially impacting on AMR [72,73]. These concerns and issues are enhanced by the appreciable prevalence of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) among children under five being treated at health facilities in Tanzania (85%) [74], as well as the promotional activities of pharmaceutical companies [75,76].…”

Lecture Methods and Media Leaflets on Mother's Knowledge in ISPA Prevention

“…In other words, the function of attitude and knowledge is not yet an action (open reaction) or activity, but a predisposition to behavior (action) or closed reaction, achievement and feeling in dealing with objects. (Ekholuenetale et al, 2023) Good health promotion media is media that is able to provide health information that is in accordance with the target's level of acceptance so that the target is willing and able to change behavior according to the message in the lecture on acute respiratory infections (ARI).…”

Population modifiable risk factors associated with under-5 acute respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea in 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (2014–2021): an analysis of data from demographic and health surveys

“…Past studies conducted in SSA countries have identified risk factors for ARI and diarrhoea, including low maternal education, 12 , 13 poor households, 12 , 13 suboptimal breastfeeding, 12 , 14 distance from water sources, 12 and lack of access to improved toilet facilities. 15 However, previous studies analysing the impact of risk factors on outcomes have used relative measures of risks, such as odds ratios or relative risks (ORs/RRs), which might not directly help public health planning and resource allocation.…”