Factors that are associated with the development of acute respiratory infections in the kindergarten - an analysis of the population of 1,528 children

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are very common amongst children attending preschool institutions (PIs) and they represent a significant public health problem. Strict compliance with the legal regulations should reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in children. The aim of this research was to determine predictors for the appearance of ARI in kindergarten. Methods. The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study at the six PIs located on the territory of Vozdovac municipality during a six-month period (from January to June 2016). The target population consisted of 1,528 children who were between three and seven years old. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (?2 test and Spearman?s rank correlation coefficient). Results The increase in the number of children for 30% above the norm was a predictive factor for the increase of respiratory infections (p < 0.001). Sex differences were not a predictive factor for the emergence of respiratory infections in any age group. In all organizational units, March was the period when respiratory infections were on the increase (37.2%, p < 0.001), and it was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in cases, when the diseased child had a brother and/or a sister in the same kindergarten. During the observed period, the number of teachers corresponded to the range of one educator per 12 to 19 children. A constant number of educators could not reduce the incidence of respiratory infections, especially during the February?March period (p < 0.001). Conclusion. In addition to active treatment and strict compliance with the legal regulations in the organization of PIs, the reduction in incidence of respiratory infections in preschool children could be achieved if the number of enrolled children complied with the standard, as well as by preventive procedures in children?s groups: avoiding overheated and dry air, regular ventilation, fresh air, well-planned diet, physical activity, personal hygiene and cleanliness.