Abstract
Objective:To assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers on ARI (Acute Respiratory Tract Infection) in children less than five years of age.Methods:This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Darul Sehat hospital from 1st December 2014 to 28th February 2015. Mothers(n=335) who were local residents, had at least one child below the age of five years and coming to the hospital for any medical problem along with accompanying women were included. Foreign mothers and/or those having difficulty in perceiving questions were excluded. Language used in the Questionnaire was English which was translated to Urdu for better understanding. Questionnaire was interviewer administered. Researchers and two house physicians took part in questioning the mothers.Results:Total 335 children were studied. Out of 335 children 228(68%) had ARI. Mean age of the children was 20 months ±17 SD while mean Birth weight was 2.7 kg ± 1.8 SD. The most common symptom perceived was cough (n=303, 40%), mostly worsening during winter season (n=255,87%), commonest aggravating factor was dust (n=174,81%), most common complication was Pneumonia (n=135, 83%), and most mothers opted for medical practitioner (n=268,89%) for treatment. Self-medication was practiced by 192(58%) and paracetamol was frequently used medication (n=117,42%).Conclusion:The study reveals good knowledge of mothers on ARI symptoms, worsening environmental conditions, aggravating factors and complications. Their attitude towards ARI was appropriate with early consultation with qualified medical practitioner. Better literacy rate, has a positive influence on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of mothers.
Highlights
Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is considered as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children and it incurs upon high economic cost
Upper respiratory infection presents mainly with Rhinitis (Common Cold), Tonsillitis, Sinusitis and ear infection while main presentations of Lower Respiratory Infection (LRI) is Pneumonia which exhibits with increased respiratory rate
The incidence of ARI in Pakistan is 16% as shown by a survey conducted in Pakistan in 2011.2 That survey revealed that ARI was more prevalent in urban areas in the country
Summary
Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is considered as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children and it incurs upon high economic cost. It is the main reason for utilization of health services for children. Its control is a big public health concern especially in developing countries. It constitutes Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) and Lower Respiratory Infection (LRI). In such conditions safe home remedy and proper care are mainly recommended
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