Study of risk factors of acute respiratory infections in children admitted in a tertiary care hospital of Southern Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children. In India, it constitutes 15% of under five deaths. Various risk factors are responsible for ARI in children. Study of risk factors will help to reduce the high morbidity and mortality due to ARI. The objectives were to study risk factors responsible for acute respiratory infections in children and to find out case fatality rate &/ outcome of acute respiratory infections ARI in children.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was done in 2013-14 in a tertiary care centre to study the risk factors associated with ARI in children. All the pediatric patients between 0-12 years admitted in a tertiary care centre at Solapur were enrolled in the study.Results: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) were more common in 1-4 years age group i.e. 57.31% (196). It was more common in males i.e. 64.33% (220) than females i.e. 35.67% (122). ARI was more common in lower socio-economic classes i.e. class V (50.58%), class IV (22.52%); in patients whose mothers were illiterate 43.28% and who had history of parental smoking 84.21%. Maximum patients of ARI were having history of overcrowding 75.73%, inadequate cross-ventilation 81.87% and use of smoky chullah 78.65% in their home. Statistically significant association found between ARI cases and these socio-demographic factors. 46.78% (160) were incompletely immunized and 16.37% (56) were not immunized at all. Only 36.84% (126) were completely immunized for their age. Maximum cases of ARI (50.88%) occurred in winter season followed by rainy season (26.90%). Outcome showed that 91.52% (313) were cured, while 1.75% (6) patients died due to ARI.Conclusions: The present study has identified various socio-demographic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for ARI which can be prevented by effective health education and an appropriate initiative taken by the government.