Burden of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Under-Fives in Urban Area

Abstract: Research questions: What is the prevalence of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in under-fives in urban area? Objective: Study the period prevalence of acute respiratory tract infections and associated risk factors in under-five children. Study design: Community based Cross-sectional study. Setting: Field practice area of Dept.of PSM. Dr. V.M.Govt Medical College Solapur. Participants: 420 under-five children selected by simple random sampling method. Study variables: Age, sex, socio-economic class, literacy status of mother, birth weight, birth order, nutritional and immunization status, weaning practices, indoor air pollution. Statistical analysis: Chi square test & risk ratio analysis. Methodology: Parents of the 420 under-five children were interviewed for the occurrence of acute respiratory tract infections in past 1 month. Various risk factors were studied with the help of necessary history, measurements & examinations. Results: Out of 420 under fives 234 were males and 185 were females. The average age of the affected children was 32.26 ± 17.22 Months. The prevalence of ARI was 40.71%. Low birth weight, birth order four or more, weaning at inappropriate age, solid fuel use for cooking, undernourishment and mothers’ illiteracy (OR:1.54; 95 percent CI: 0.79-2.99) were the significant risk factors associated with ARI in under fives.