Pattern and risk factors of acute respiratory infections in children under five years:  A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study.

Bunga Babu  Ratnakar; Dr. Chippalapally  Rambabu; Dr. Guguloth  Latha; Dr. Bunga   Harshita

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2221

Authors

Dr. Bunga Babu Ratnakar Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Government General Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India
Dr. Chippalapally Rambabu Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Government General Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India
Dr. Guguloth Latha Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Government General Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India
Dr. Bunga Harshita Intern, Department of General Medicine, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2221

Keywords:

Acute respiratory infection, under-five children, risk factors, indoor air pollution, breastfeeding, socioeconomic status

Abstract

Background:

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain one of the leading causes of morbidity and hospitalization among children under five years, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Identifying demographic, environmental, and nutritional risk factors is essential to guide preventive strategies and optimize health outcomes.

Objectives:

To determine the clinical pattern and assess the key risk factors associated with acute respiratory infections in children under five years of age attending a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

A hospital-based observational study was conducted among 100 children aged below five years clinically diagnosed with ARI. Data were collected using a structured proforma covering demographic details, clinical presentation, nutritional and immunization status, and environmental conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive measures and percentage distribution.

Results:

The majority of cases occurred in the 1–3-year age group (46%), with males (58%) slightly predominating. Upper respiratory tract infections (64%) were more frequent than lower respiratory infections (36%). The most common presenting symptoms were cough (94%), fever (86%), and nasal discharge (72%). Undernutrition was identified in 42% of children, and 58% belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Major risk factors included indoor air pollution (68%), overcrowding (52%), passive smoking (36%), and lack of exclusive breastfeeding (46%). Incomplete immunization was observed in 28%, and low birth weight (<2.5 kg) in 34%. ARI incidence peaked during the monsoon and winter months (62%). The mean hospital stay was 4.6 ± 2.1 days, with full recovery in 92% of cases and no mortality reported.

Conclusion:

Acute respiratory infections in children were predominantly associated with modifiable risk factors such as undernutrition, indoor air pollution, overcrowding, and incomplete immunization. Most cases were mild and preventable through early intervention.

Recommendations:

Community-level interventions such as promoting exclusive breastfeeding, complete immunization, improving

Author Biographies

Dr. Bunga Babu Ratnakar, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Government General Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India

MBBS, MD, DCH, is a pediatrician with over two decades of clinical and academic experience. He completed his MBBS (1989), DCH (1994), and MD (Pediatrics, 2017) from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. He served as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics for five years at Government Medical College, Suryapet, and subsequently at Government Medical College, Khammam. He is presently working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, GGH Khammam. His areas of interest include childhood respiratory infections, neonatal care, and community-based child health. Dr. Ratnakar is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching and continues to contribute to pediatric research and public health initiatives. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0921-6241

Dr. Chippalapally Rambabu , Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Government General Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India

MBBS, MD, is currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Government Medical College, Khammam, Telangana. He has extensive clinical and teaching experience in pediatric medicine and is actively involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate training. His areas of academic and research interest include neonatal care, pediatric infectious diseases, and growth and developmental disorders. Dr. Rambabu is dedicated to promoting evidence-based pediatric practice and improving child health outcomes through clinical research and academic excellence.

Dr. Guguloth Latha , Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College and Government General Hospital, Khammam, Telangana, India

MBBS, MD, is currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Government Medical College, Khammam, Telangana. She has a strong background in child health and clinical pediatrics. She is actively involved in undergraduate teaching, pediatric patient care, and academic research. Her key areas of interest include neonatal medicine, pediatric infectious diseases, and growth and nutrition disorders. Dr. Latha is committed to advancing child health through evidence-based practice, compassionate care, and continued medical education.

Dr. Bunga Harshita , Intern, Department of General Medicine, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

is currently an MBBS intern at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana. During her medical training, she has demonstrated a keen interest in clinical pediatrics and preventive child health. She has actively participated in academic discussions, clinical case presentations, and community health programs. Her areas of academic interest include pediatric infectious diseases, adolescent health, and nutrition. Dr. Harshita aspires to pursue postgraduate training in pediatrics and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes for children through evidence-based clinical practice and research.

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