Study of clinical profile and certain modifiable risk factors associated with acute respiratory infection cases admitted in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Childhood acute respiratory infection (ARI)/pneumonia is a significant public health problem in India, although robust epidemiological data is not available on its incidence. Mortality due to pneumonia accounts for approximately one-fourth of the total deaths in under five children, in India. The main aim is to assess clinical profile and associated risk factors of ARI cases admitted in tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Western Maharashtra, targeting all ARI cases admitted over a period of 1 yr. in the Pediatric ward at Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Miraj, India from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011. A pre- tested structured questionnaire with details regarding clinical picture and risk factors influencing outcome of ARI cases was used to collect the information from person accompanying ARI child preferably mother. Statistical software SPSS 16 for proportions, chi square test and odds ratio are used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 352 cases, tonsillar congestion was the most common sign (86.36%) and cough was the most common presenting symptom (91.48%).Majority (72.73%) of ARI children had hospital stay for <7 days. Significant risk factors associated with outcome of ARI Cases were Breast feeding and Nutritional status of child. Conclusions: Nutritional factors, malnutrition, and lack of breast-feeding constitute independent risk factors for pneumonia and interventions include efficient antenatal care, promotion of breast feeding, and appropriate MCH and family welfare services.