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Risk factors for severe pneumonia in children in Basrah
1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Iraq.
Insights
Severe pneumonia in children is linked to younger age, low parental education, home smoking, prematurity, early weaning, incomplete vaccinations, anemia, and malnutrition. These factors increase a child
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Severe pneumonia is a leading cause of child mortality globally.
- Identifying risk factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors associated with severe pneumonia in children in Basrah, Iraq.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted.
- 148 children with severe pneumonia (World Health Organization criteria) were compared with 250 controls with non-severe respiratory infections.
Main Results:
- Younger age (2-6 months), low parental education, and home smoking were significant risk factors.
- Prematurity, early weaning (< 6 months), incomplete diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccination, anemia, and malnutrition were also associated with severe pneumonia.
Conclusions:
- Several modifiable and non-modifiable factors contribute to severe pneumonia risk in children.
- Interventions targeting parental education, smoking cessation, vaccination, and nutritional support may reduce disease incidence.
Abstract:
A case-control study was undertaken in Basrah Maternity and Children Hospital, Iraq. We studied 148 children who were admitted to hospital with severe pneumonia according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and the controls were 250 children attending the out-patient department for non-severe respiratory infections. Significant risk factors were younger age (2-6 months), low parental education, smoking at home, prematurity, weaning from breast milk at < 6 months, a negative history of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccination, anaemia and malnutrition.