EVALUATING THE RISK FACTORS FOR ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN CHILDREN OF 0-5 YEARS OF AGE

Abstract

Background: ALRTI (acute lower respiratory tract infection) is the major cause of mortality in
children 0-5 years of age. The burden of ALRTI can be markedly reduced by identifying the
modifiable risk factors for severe ALRTI.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the risk factors for acute lower respiratory tract infection in children 0-5 years of age.
Methods: The present study utilized the case definition of ALRTI given by WHO (World Health
Organization). The study included subjects with ALRTI and subjects visiting the Outpatient
Department of Pediatrics for immunization served as controls. A preformed structured proforma  was used to record the potential risk factors in cases and controls.
Results: The present study assessed 256 children with 101 cases and 155 control subjects. It was seen that family history of ALRTI, inappropriate immunization age, cooking on other mediums than LPG, severe malnutrition, upper respiratory tract infection in siblings, and lack of breastfeeding were significant risk factors for ALRTI with OR of 5.13, 2.83, 2.3, 1.83, 24.93, and 6.51 respectively. Non-significant risk factors for ALRTI are housing type, inadequate caloric intake, anemia, number of children at home, education of the parents, age of the parents, and gender of the child.
Conclusions: The present study concludes that family history of ALRTI, inappropriate immunization age, cooking on other mediums than LPG, severe malnutrition, upper respiratory tract infection in siblings, and lack of breastfeeding were significant risk factors for ALRTI and should be monitored.