RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES OF ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS

Abstract

Background: Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (ALRI) is the leading cause of under-5 childhood morbidity in the world, with nearly 156 million new episodes each year, of which India accounts for a bulk of 43 million. The mortality burden is 1.9 million per year, out of which India accounts for around four hundred thousand deaths per year. Objective: To study the various risk factors, clinical prole and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 2 months to 5 years. Methods: 100 ALRI cases fullling WHO criteria for pneumonia, in the age group of 2 month to 5 years were evaluated for potential risk factors, clinical prole and outcome as per a predesigned proforma in a rural medical college. Results: Socio-demographic risk factors like parental illiteracy, overcrowding, partial immunization and low socioeconomic status were potential risk factors. Nutritional risk factors like early and late introduction of complementary foods, anemia and malnutrition were associated with ALRI. Environmental risk factors were use of biomass fuels, inadequate ventilation at home, and lack of separate kitchen. Conclusion: The present study has identied various socio-demographic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for ALRI which can be tackled by effective health education of the community and effective training of peripheral health personnel.