Epidemiological, Nutritional and Factors Associated with Infant Bronchiolitis in Hospitals: Case of the City of Lubumbashi (DR Congo)

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of acute bronchiolitis of infants in an urban area of the Democratic Republic of Congo to establish the epidemiological, clinical and nutritional profile of affected infants. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Lubumbashi (DR Congo) at three hospitals over a 2-year period from 2013 to 2014. A total of 321 acute bronchiolitis was collected in infants Less than 24 months. Results: A hospital incidence of 3.8% was found. Bronchiolitis occurred most from December (8.7%) until March (8.7%), and the peak was observed in February, i.e. 24.9% of cases, which corresponds to the great rainy season. The average age of children with was calculated 7.78 ± 6.43 months. The prevalence of underweight was 40.6% (n = 129). There was a significant association between pathology and prematurity (p = 0.00, OR = 111 [20.2 - 614.5]) with associated pathologies (p = 0.02 OR = 8 [0.9-64.5]). Conclusion: The incidence of bronchiolitis has declined in comparison to previous studies in the context of our study setting, but it may be regressed if targeted public health measures are taken.