Prevalence of acute respiratory infections among children in India: Regional inequalities and risk factors

Abstract

Aim The high incidence of acute respiratory infection (ARI)-related morbidity and mortality is a major public health concern in developing countries. This study aimed to quantify regional inequalities and the degree of association between childhood ARI and background factors. Methods This study utilised information of 238 945 children aged below five years extracted from the Fourth Indian National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–16. Inter-state and regional inequality in the prevalence of ARI were quantified and presented using a map of India and forest plot. The association of background characteristics and ARI was quantified using bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression models. Results Significant inequalities in the prevalence of childhood ARI were observed across the six regions of India. Considering the children from north-east region as a reference, those from north, central and east regions were 0.68, 1.02 and 0.57 times more likely to suffer from ARI. Comorbidity, sex, age and nutritional status of children were significantly associated with the prevalence of ARI. Conclusions ARI remains a significant public health concern among Indian children. The results of this study showed that significant regional disparities in the prevalence of ARI exist in India. This study adds value to the better understanding of inequality patterns and quantifies within- and intra-region inequalities in the prevalence of ARI in India.

Spatial epidemiology of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years and associated risk factors in India: District-level analysis of health, household, and environmental datasets

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“…The age group of 3 to under 5 years old had a higher hospital visitation rate (45.28%). The reasons for these hospital visits among children may be linked to factors such as weakened immune systems, unhealthy lifestyle, and hygiene practices [17] , and family and social environment [18] . According to the analysis of the Choice of Medical Institutions in the Survey, the outpatient and emergency coverage of children in ARI sentinel hospitals in Pudong New Area is about 58.08%.…”

The association between anti-smoking legislation and prevalence of acute respiratory illnesses in Indian children

“…Studies have shown that ARIs in children under the age of five are closely associated to the environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors present in the population [ 36 , 37 ]. Evidently, the rural-urban gap influences the prevalence of children ARI [ 38 ]. In rural areas of single (central) laws implementing states without any indoor tobacco smoke exposure, the prevalence of ARI was 1771 (0.89%), compared to 494 (0.25%) in urban areas.…”