Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Risk factors for acute respiratory infection among children in Yemen: a hospital based matched case-control study
Mansour Abdu Al-Taj1, Rawan Essam AlKhulidy2, Shatha Saif Alomary2
1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. taj.fsis@gmail.com.
Insights
Food insecurity significantly increases the risk of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in young children. Interventions addressing food insecurity and promoting smoke-free environments are crucial for child health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Food insecurity is a critical public health issue, especially in conflict zones, leading to severe health problems and mortality in children.
- Vulnerable populations, including young children, are disproportionately affected by food scarcity and its health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of household food insecurity on the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children aged 6-23 months.
- To identify other contributing factors associated with ARI development in this pediatric age group.
Main Methods:
- A matched case-control study involving 151 children with ARI and 302 controls was conducted in Sana'a city.
- Conditional logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the association between various factors and ARI.
- Participants were matched by sex and age (±2 months).
Main Results:
- Food-insecure households were more prevalent among children with ARI (63.6%) compared to controls (40.7%).
- Household food insecurity was a significant predictor of ARI in children (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.72, p=0.017).
- Living in rented accommodation (AOR 2.29, p<0.001) and exposure to relative's smoking (AOR 1.84, p=0.008) were associated with increased ARI risk.
Conclusions:
- Multi-sectoral community interventions are essential to mitigate the ARI burden in young children.
- Initiatives focused on income generation to reduce food insecurity and health education on smoking risks are recommended.
- Addressing household food insecurity and environmental factors like smoking is key to improving child respiratory health.
Background:
Food insecurity is a growing public health problem, particularly in conflict-affected areas where households face multiple challenges that restrict their accessibility to food and other necessities. It can result in serious health issues and increased mortality, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.
Objective:
This study aims to assess the effect of household food insecurity on the development of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among children aged 6-23 months and determine the other factors associated with ARI in this age group.
Methods:
A matched case-control study was carried out in three public hospitals in Sana'a city between March and May 2022. A total of 151 children presented to the three hospitals diagnosed with ARI (cases) and 302 children who presented to the same hospitals with non-ARI diagnoses were included in the study and matched by sex and age ± two months. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR).
Results:
Among cases, 63.6% (96/151) of households were food insecure compared to 40.7% (123/302) of the controls. Household food insecurity was a strong predictor of ARI in children (AOR 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-2.70; p = 0.017). Children living in rented accommodation (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.40-3.74; p < 0.001) and those with relatives who smoked (AOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.17-2.90; p = 0.008) had a higher likelihood of having ARIs compared to those in non-rented dwellings and where no relatives smoked, respectively. Parental characteristics, source of water, and source of cooking fuel were not associated with ARI.
Conclusion:
To reduce the burden of ARI among young children, it is important to prioritize the design and implementation of multi-sectoral community interventions. These interventions should include the initiation of income-generating programs aimed at alleviating household food insecurity, as well as health education campaigns to raise community awareness about the health risks associated with smoking.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...