DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i07.036

Pages: 2811-2815

Acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children in developing countries. Hence, the present study was undertaken to study the various risk factors, clinical profile and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 2 months to 5 years. Methods: 100 ALRI cases fulfilling WHO criteria for pneumonia, in the age group of 2 months to 5 years were evaluated for potential risk factors, clinical profile 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; similarly nutritional risk factors like early and late weaning, anemia, and malnutrition were associated with ALRI. Significant environmental risk factors were the use of biomass fuels, inadequate ventilation at home, and lack of separate kitchen. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study it can be concluded that early diagnosis and initiation of treatment helps to improve the morbidity and mortality in under- 5 children. There is significant association of ALRI with immunization status; other factors such as parental literacy, low socioeconomic status use of biomass fuel and crowding are important factors in etiology of ALRI.