European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally in children under five years of age. Many risk factors for these infections have been reported which include mostly the climatic conditions and also the poverty, poor nutrition, poor housing conditions, indoor air pollution such as parental smoking, absence of ventilation, overcrowding etc.
Materials and Methodology: A sample of 450 children was included in the study population after calculated using the formula. The slums were selected using simple random sampling procedure (Lottery method). Personal visits were made to the houses of all the subjects, children were examined and the parent/care-taker was personally interviewed using the pre-tested questionnaire. A p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The present study was undertaken by selecting 450 children. The areas selected for the present study were characterized by a high rate of illiteracy, poor socioeconomic conditions and delayed utilization of medical facilities. ARI was detected among 122 children. Therefore, the incidence rate of ARI in our study was 27.25%. URTI was found in 19.25% of the cases, and LRTI was diagnosed in the remaining 8%.
Conclusion: ARI is reported to be a public health concern killing millions of our future citizens across the country. The study would be an eye-opener for further research in those areas with poor health care settings due to fewer resources.