A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER AGE OF 6 YEARS IN RURAL MAHARASHTRA

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) is major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years of age especially in developing countries. Hence the present study was undertaken to study the incidence and determinants associated with ARI. AIMS: To study the incidence and determinants of ARI in children aged less than 6 years. SETTINGS: The present study was conducted in rural setting of Pune district where in 118 children between 0 to 5 years were interrogated as per predesigned proforma. METHODS: All 118 children were followed up every month for a period of 1 year and interrogated for incidence and various risk factors. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi square test was used. 'P' value < 0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: A total of 199 episodes of ARI (174 of AURI & 25 of ALRI) were present among all children. Incidence rate of ARI, AURI, ALRI was 1.69, 1.47, 0.21 episodes/child/year. Malnourished children had higher incidence as compared to nourished children. (2 episodes/child/year Vs 1.50 episodes/child/year). Association was found between incidence of ARI and immunization status, seasonal variation and various environmental factors. CONCLUSION: The present study has identified incidence rate, various socio-demographic and environmental risk factors which can be tackled by effective education of mother, family & community and initiatives undertaken by government.