Prevalence and risk factors of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in under-fives in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) commonly present as frequent episodes of respiratory symptoms which although commoner at certain times of the year may sometimes be present all year round. This is associated with a lot of distress, morbidity and mortality, with attendant wastage of resources and loss of man hour by caregiver. Therefore, the need to assess the community prevalence and associated risk factors of ARI in under-fives in Edaiken community.
Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study carried out in Edaiken community as part of a broad ARI study in that community. Caregivers were selected by systematic multi-stage sampling. Pretested researcher administered questionnaire was used to obtain data.
Results: 346 caregivers of under-five children took part in the study. Prevalence of ARI was 92.2%, concerning frequency of ARI in children the range was 1 – 8, with a median of 2 in a year. 181 (52.3%) of the children studied were second in order of seniority amongst their siblings. Number of persons in a room ranged from 2 – 12, with a median of 4. Of the 346, 344 (99.4%) were breastfed and 310 (90.1%) were exclusively breastfed. 342 (98.8%) were fully immunized while 108 (31.2%) attended day-care centres. Most respondents 153 (44.2%) cook in kitchen outside the house. Concerning cooking fuel, 281 (81.2%) used kerosene stove.
Conclusion: The prevalence of ARI in Egor LGA is high with some under-fives having ARI all year round. Some of the risk factors identified in the community included type of fuel for cooking, place of cooking and overcrowding.

Keywords: Prevalence, risk factors, under-fives, acute respiratory infection.