The prevalence and risk factors for acute respiratory infections in children aged 0-59 months in rural Malawi: A cross-sectional study

Background: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are a leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity. Malawi has high childhood mortality but limited data on the prevalence of disease in the community. Methods: A cross-sectional study of children aged 0-59 months. Health passports were examined for ARI diagnoses in the preceding 12 months. Children were physically examined for malnutrition or current ARI. Results: 828 children participated. The annual prevalence of ARI was 32.6% (95% CI 29.3-36.0%). Having a sibling with ARI (OR 1.44, P=.01), increasing household density (OR 2.17, P=.02) and acute malnutrition (OR 1.69, P=.01) were predictors of infection in the last year. The point prevalence of ARI was 8.3% (95% CI 6.8-10.4%). Risk factors for current ARI were acute-on-chronic malnutrition (OR 3.06, P=.02), increasing household density (OR1.19, P=.05) and having a sibling with ARI (OR 2.30, P=.02). Conclusion: This study provides novel data on the high prevalence of ARI in Malawi. This baseline data can be used in the monitoring and planning of future interventions in this population.