Acute respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years of age in Upper Egypt

Ekram M. Abdel Khalek; Doaa M. Abdel-Salam

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161377

Authors

Ekram M. Abdel Khalek Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, 71518 Assiut
Doaa M. Abdel-Salam Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, 71518 Assiut

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20161377

Keywords:

Acute respiratory tract infections, Children under 5 years, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a serious problem that causes four and a half million deaths among children every year, the overwhelming majority occurring in developing countries. Untreated ARIs often lead to pneumonia, which is more serious and causes 15% of under five deaths in Egypt. The objectives of the present study were to identify the prevalence of ARIs in children under 5 years of age in Upper Egypt and its determinants.

Methods: Secondary analysis was done in the present study based on data sets of Egypt Demographic Health Survey (EDHS), 2008.

Results: The present study involved 4,745 children under 5 years of age living in Upper Egypt Governorates who included in EDHS, 2008. The mean age of the studied children was 28.27 months. It was found that 18.8% of the children had cough during the two weeks period before the survey. Medical consultations were sought from health care providers among 90% of children. Nearly two thirds of the children were given any drugs. Cough drugs and oral antibiotics were given most frequently. Also, 30% of children did not receive any medical treatment .Children aged 6-23 months and male children were affected most likely with ARIs. Immunization status of the studied children showed significant association with ARIs.

Conclusions: Children aged 6-23 months and male children were affected most likely with ARIs. Paediatricians and general practitioners should take their role in proper counselling of caregivers on the proper child care at home.

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