Factors Associated with Occurrence of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections among Children Aged Below Five Years Attending Kinango Sub-County Hospital, Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality among children aged below five years globally. Although their impact on public health is well established, actual burden of these infections among children aged below five years is not well elucidated. This study aimed to determine factors associated with occurrence of acute respiratory tract infections among children aged below five years in Kinango Sub-County, Kwale County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Study participants were children aged below five years presenting for care at Kinango Sub-County hospital. Systematic sampling was used to select study participants. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions were held to collect additional data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. A total of 385 children participated in this study. Majority of the children; (61.6%) were aged below two years, and 49.9% of them were male. The prevalence of ARIS was 59.2% (95% CI 54.5-64.3). Female gender [aOR 3.39 (1.21-9.46)], stunting [aOR 3.62 (1.04-12.61)], high parity [aOR 11.45 (2.38-55.09)], low maternal education [aOR 3.54 (1.10-11.32)], and recent hospitalization [aOR 8.19 (1.75-38.43)] increased the odds of infection, and normal birth weight [aOR 0.06 (0.01-0.62)] lowered the odds of infection. knowledge on causes of ARIs (p=0.026) and attitude towards signs and symptoms of ARIs were significantly associated with ARIs (P=0.024). Of the practices regarding ARIs, completing immunization was significantly associated with occurrence of ARIs (p=0.003). High prevalence of ARIs observed in this study can negatively affect health of children in this area, with negative impact on their growth and development and future health.