Determinants of pneumonia among children attending public health facilities in Worabe town

Abstract

Childhood pneumonia is common in developing countries, with significant morbidity and mortality. Taking the significance of the problem and variability of risk factors into account, a study was needed to identify the potential determinants of pneumonia in under-five children. A facility-based unmatched case–control study was conducted among 435 children (145 cases and 290 controls) aged 2–59 months at public health facilities in Worabe town from December 28, 2016, to January 30, 2017. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 22. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to determine association between dependant and independent variables. Among the factors assessed, stunting [AOR = 3.6,95% CI: 1.9–6.9], carrying the child on the back during cooking [AOR = 2.0,95% CI: 1.2–3.2], absence of chimney in the cooking room [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.7], having a history of asthma [AOR = 5.0,95% CI: 2–12], and a previous acute upper respiratory tract infection [AOR = 3.7,95% CI:2.3–6.1] were significantly associated with pneumonia.