Risk factors associated with acute respiratory tract infection in children among one month to 5 years

Background: Acute respiratory tract infections are among the major cause of morbidity and mortality among children developing countries accounting for 40% of mortality in children fewer than 5 years of age. Objectives: To find out the risk factors associated with acute respiratory tract infection in children between 1 month to 5 years. Methodology: An observational study was conducted was conducted in G.G. Hospital , Jamnagar over a period of 12 months. Institutional ethical clearance taken. After written consent taken from parents, total 150 patients taken in the age group 1 month to 5 years of acute respiratory tract infections as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Detailed history, anthropometry and physical examination carried out. Assessment of various risk factors done. Results: Most of the parents of patients of ARI were having lower education. Presence of anemia, absence of predominant breast feeding, Exposure to biomass fuel, preterm delivery, low birth weight are predominant risk factors as its association with ARI is found statistically significant. Bottle feeding, prelacteal feeds, no birth spacing and exposure to kerosene lamps are amongst the probable risk factors Conclusion: Lack of predominant breast feeding, anemia, malnutrition, passive smoking, exposure to biomass fuel, preterm delivery, low birth weight and meconium aspiration syndrome definite risk factors of ARI, with incomplete immunization and faulty feeding practices also plays a major role in causation of ARI in children.