Prevalence of Respiratory Illness among under-five children in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu: A cross sectional study

Background: Acute respiratory illness is regarded as one of the commonest cause of death and sickness among under-five children in developing countries. In India, during the year 2013, about 31.7 million cases of ARI were reported. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of respiratory illness among the under-five children in Chidambaram municipality and to find out the associated risk factors of respiratory illness. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a pre-tested pro forma. Results: Out of 1697 people surveyed, 145 were under-five children. Prevalence of respiratory illness among the under-five children was found to be 52.4% (Upper respiratory tract infections-42.7% and bronchial asthma-18.5%). Respiratory illness was found to be significantly associated with cross ventilation, income and mother’s education. Absence of cross ventilation, low family income, and low educational status of mother had an odds ratio of 2.9, 4.6 and 5.33 respectively. Conclusion: Absence of cross ventilation, low family income, and low educational status of mother are the risk factors contributing significantly to acute respiratory illness among under-fives.