Prevalence and determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections in children under five in rural mysuru: insights from a cross-sectional study
Background Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age, particularly in rural regions. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of ARIs in such settings is essential for developing targeted interventions. T...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Makhdoomi Printers
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://nicpd.ac.in/ojs-/index.php/gjmedph/article/view/4118 |
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| Summary: | Background
Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years
of age, particularly in rural regions. Understanding the prevalence and determinants of ARIs in such settings is
essential for developing targeted interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify the key
determinants of ARIs in children under five in rural Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
Materials & methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Mysuru from January to June 2024. A
sample of 400 children under five years old was selected using a convenience sampling method. Data on
sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics and family background, breastfeeding practices and ARI
symptoms and episodes were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire by interviewing the mother of the
child. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentages were used and inferential statistics like the Chi-square
test and Fisher’s Exact test were used to find the factors associated with ARIs.
Results
The overall prevalence of ARI in the rural area was found to be 46.8 % in the study. Exclusive breastfeeding for six
months showed a statistically significant association with acute respiratory infections (ARI) (p = 0.001). 48.3% of
exclusively breastfed children experienced ARI. Gender (p = 0.001) and a history of hospital admission (p= 0.000)
were also significantly associated with ARI, with female children and previously hospitalized children more affected.
Other factors, including age, birth weight, family type, and breastfeeding duration, showed no significant
association.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates a clear association between exclusive breastfeeding for six months and a reduced incidence
of acute respiratory infections (ARI) among children under five. Additionally, gender and prior hospital admissions
were also identified as significant risk factors for ARI, indicating that females and previously hospitalized children
are more vulnerable to these infections. These findings suggest the need for enhanced breastfeeding support and
targeted interventions to mitigate ARI prevalence in young children.
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| ISSN: | 2277-9604 |