Recognition and management of ARI--a KAP study on private medical practitioners

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• General Practice

Background:

• Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
• Understanding how private medical practitioners (PMPs) diagnose and treat ARI is crucial for improving child health outcomes.
• Variations in diagnostic approaches and treatment practices among different medical systems may impact patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the recognition and treatment of ARI, particularly pneumonia, in children by PMPs in South Delhi.
• To compare diagnostic and treatment practices across different systems of medicine.
• To assess PMPs' knowledge of normal respiratory rates in children.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 113 PMPs from various medical systems in Ambedkar Nagar, South Delhi.
• Data collected included perceived causes of ARI, methods for assessing respiratory rate, and prescribed treatments for cough, cold, and pneumonia.
• Statistical analysis was used to compare practices among different PMP groups.

Main Results:

• Allopathic PMPs attributed ARI to viruses and bacteria, while others cited environmental factors.
• A significant majority of PMPs (68/113) did not measure respiratory rate, and few could accurately state normal rates for different age groups.
• X-rays were recommended by 90.3% for pneumonia diagnosis, and antibiotics were widely prescribed for both cough/cold (77%) and pneumonia (96.4%).

Conclusions:

• There are significant gaps in PMPs' knowledge and practices regarding the diagnosis and management of pediatric ARI and pneumonia.
• The frequent prescription of antibiotics and steroids for ARI symptoms warrants further investigation and targeted educational interventions.
• Standardizing diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols for ARI is essential to improve child healthcare in the region.