Assessment of common infections related to steroidal treatment among children in selected hospitals, in view to develop an information booklet

Abstract

Corticosteroids are potent medications that have been extensively used to treat many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. They have been used in a variety of life-threatening and disabling conditions and have saved or improved many lives. However, they cause numerous side effects on various body systems. Corticosteroids inhibit the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections. A regular dose of corticosteroids for 1-2 weeks can make the patient prone to infection.Therefore the study was conducted to assess the common infections related to steroidal treatment which are commonly associated with long-term use of these agents and provide practical recommendations for patient monitoring and the prevention and management of these infections. For this study, quantitative research approach was considered appropriate. A research design was Non-experimental exploratory design. This study was conducted in selected hospitals of city. The samples selected was Children on steroidal treatment admitted in hospitals who meet the inclusive and exclusive criteria. Sample size was 60 and non- probability purposive sampling was used. Self-structured infection assessment checklist format was found to be the most appropriate instrument to assess common infections related to steroidal treatment among children. Descriptive and inferential statistics used for data analysis Majority 38.3% of them had respiratory tract infection followed by 25% of them had skin infection, 15% of the children had gastrointestinal tract infection and 1.7% of them had Urinary tract infection. Duration of steroidal treatment and education of the parents were found to have significant association with gastrointestinal tract infection among children. Developmental stage of child and duration of steroidal treatment were found to have significant association with respiratory tract infection among children. None of the demographic variable was found to have significant association with urinary tract infection among children. Developmental stage of child and Education of the parents were found to have significant association with gastrointestinal tract infection among children.