Epidemiological profile of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in under five age group of children in urban and rural communities of Ahmedabad district, Gujarat

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory tract infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing and also developed countries. About 13 Million under 5 children dies every year in the world, 95% of them in developing countries, one third of total deaths are due to ARI. Objective: To study the epidemiological profile of ARI and find out associated risk factors of ARI in under 5 children living in urban and rural areas of Ahmedabad district. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was covering 500 under 5 children living in urban (five zone) and rural (five PHC of Sanand taluka) area of Ahmedabad district from September 2008 to March 2009. Results: Occurrence of ARI was found to be 22%, it was lower in urban area (17.2%) as compare to rural area (26.8%) higher in. A significant association was found between ARI and low social class, overcrowded houses low birth weight, delay start initiation of breast feeding, prelactal feeding, timely given complementary feeding and immunization status. Conclusion: The study strongly towards the importance of basic health promotional measures like proper infant feeding practices, proper nutrition of the child and socio-economic improvement in prevention and control of ARI.