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Respiratory symptoms and associated risk factors among under-five children in Northwest, Ethiopia: community based
Zewudu Andualem1, Asefa Adimasu Taddese2, Zelalem Nigussie Azene3
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar.
Insights
Respiratory symptoms affect 37.5% of children under five in Gondar, Ethiopia. Key risk factors include indoor air pollution from heating and environmental factors like cockroach infestation and proximity to traffic.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a significant public health challenge, causing morbidity and mortality in children under five.
- Identifying risk factors for respiratory symptoms is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in children under five in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.
- To identify personal and environmental risk factors associated with these symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A community-based cross-sectional study involving 792 children under five.
- Data collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire.
- Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine significant associations (p<0.05).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was 37.5% (95% CI: 34.3-41%).
- Significant risk factors included uterine irritability during pregnancy, wood/coal heating, cockroach infestation, new carpets, damp stains, proximity to heavy traffic or unpaved roads.
- Protective factors included physical exercise during pregnancy and opening windows during cooking.
Conclusions:
- Respiratory symptoms are prevalent among under-five children in the study area.
- Personal and environmental factors significantly influence symptom occurrence.
- Reducing indoor/outdoor air pollution and improving housing quality are key to minimizing respiratory symptoms.
Introduction:
Acute respiratory infections are still a major public health problem resulting in morbidity and mortality among under-five children. This study aims to assess the extent of respiratory symptoms and associated risk factors among under-five children in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods:
A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from February to June 2019. From 792 study participants, data were collected via face to face interviews by using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered in Epi Info version 7, then exported to Stata 14.00 for analysis. Binary (Bivariable and Multivariable) logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of explanatory and outcome variables. Variables with p<0.05 were considered as significantly associated with the outcome variable.
Results:
The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among under-five children was 37.5% at [95% (CI: 34.3-41)]. Uterine irritability during pregnancy [AOR = 1.89 at 95% CI: (1.11-3.23)], physical exercise during pregnancy [AOR = 0.60 at 95% CI: (0.41-0.89)], using wood and coal for heating [AOR = 2.42 at 95% CI: (1.65-3.53)], cockroaches infestation [AOR = 1.95 at 95% CI: (1.36 - 2.90)], presence of new carpets [AOR = 2.38 at 95% CI: (1.33-4.29)], damp stain [AOR = 2.45 at 95% CI: (1.02-2.69)], opening windows during cooking [AOR = 0.58 at 95% CI: (0.36-0 .93)], living less than 100 m heavy traffic [AOR = 1.94 at 95% CI: (1.16-3.27)], and living less than 100 m (unpaved roads/streets) [AOR= 2.89 at 95% CI: (1.89-4.55)] were significantly associated with respiratory symptoms.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among under-five children was relatively high in the study area. Personal and environmental characteristics influencing symptom occurrence were identified. Respiratory symptoms will be minimized by reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution and enhancing housing quality.
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