ESTIMATED PROPORTION AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE IN ISLAMABAD PAKISTAN

Background: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children, especially in under-fives, it is necessary to explore its risk factors for better health of children. Methods: This study was a cross sectional study, conducted in the Federal Government Polyclinic Dispensary of G- 7/3-4, Islamabad on 104 under five children, from April 2016 to June 2016. All the children from 0-59 years of age, irrespective of sex visiting dispensary were included in the study. Structured questionnaire used to collect the data. Frequencies and proportions were calculated as descriptive part of the analysis while Qui/Fisher Exact test was done as inferential analysis by using SPSS. Results: Out of 104 under five children ARI was found in 34 (32.7%). It was more in male children 23 (37.1) compared to female 11 (26.2%). A significant association was found between ARI and child's birthplace, their history of low birth weight, breast-feeding history, vaccination status, mothers education, mother's occupation, number of family members, smoking in fathers, ventilation condition of home, kitchen type, and knowledge of mothers regarding ARI signs and symptoms. Conclusion: The present study found that ARI is prevalent in under five children of the studied area. Results suggested that there is need to enhance the knowledge of mothers regarding ARI risk factors, its signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment.