Related Experiment Videos
Risk factors for severe measles
T K Samsi1, T Ruspandji, I Susanto
1Department of Pediatrics, Sumber Waras Hospital, Tarumanagara University, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
Measles complications like bronchopneumonia and encephalopathy are common in young children from low socio-economic backgrounds. Malnutrition and environmental factors significantly impact measles outcomes and mortality in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles remains a significant public health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Childhood infectious diseases disproportionately affect populations with lower socio-economic status and poor living conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics, complications, and mortality of measles in hospitalized children.
- To identify key factors influencing measles outcomes in a vulnerable pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design.
- Data collected from 522 children admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Sumber Waras Hospital, Jakarta (1982-1986).
- Analysis of patient demographics, socio-economic factors, environmental conditions, complications, and mortality.
Main Results:
- The predominant age group affected was 2-5 years.
- High rates of complications (82.6%) and mortality (10.3%) were observed.
- Bronchopneumonia, encephalopathy, and diarrhea were the most frequent complications and causes of death.
- Lower socio-economic status and crowded housing were prevalent among subjects.
Conclusions:
- Measles outcomes are significantly influenced by malnutrition, co-existing complications, and patient factors like nutritional intake and susceptibility.
- Household characteristics, including socio-economic and environmental factors, play a crucial role in mediating measles severity.
- Interventions should consider a holistic model addressing nutrition, environmental exposures, and susceptibility to improve measles management and prevention.
Abstract:
A retrospective study on measles was carried out in 522 children admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Sumber Waras Hospital, Jakarta during the period of January 1982-December 1986. Most of the subjects (91.1%) came from lower socio-economic levels, living in unfavorable environmental conditions in crowded housing. The predominant age group was 2-5 years; complications were observed in 82.6% and mortality in 10.3%. The most common complications and cause of deaths were bronchopneumonia (94.4%), encephalopathy (88.9%) and diarrhea (25.9%) or combinations thereof. The outcome of measles infections is determined by the presence of malnutrition and complications which is influenced by the nutritional intake, exposure, susceptibility and constitution of the patients. The household characteristics (socio-economic, socio-cultural and health facilities available) influence the above mentioned interactions through intermediate variables of nutrition (feeding pattern, food supplements), constitution, age) and treatment. Research and intervention on measles can be designed and planned based on this model of interactions.