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Acute lower respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children in Zimbabwe

K J Nathoo1, F K Nkrumah, D Ndlovu

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zimbabwe, Harare.

Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|January 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

HIV infection significantly increases mortality in children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI). Addressing HIV is crucial for national ALRI programs in Zimbabwe.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRI) is a leading cause of childhood mortality globally.
  • HIV infection is a known risk factor for severe ALRI and increased mortality in children.
  • Understanding local risk factors is essential for effective ALRI management programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe clinical and socio-demographic features of children hospitalized with ALRI.
  • To identify risk factors for mortality in children with ALRI in Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • To assess the impact of HIV infection on ALRI mortality.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study involving 704 children aged 1 month to 5 years admitted to Harare Central Hospital.
  • Data collection included clinical presentation, nutritional status, ALRI severity, HIV status, and outcomes.
  • Statistical analysis identified significant risk factors for mortality.

Main Results:

  • The overall case fatality rate (CFR) for ALRI was 15%, with 104 deaths.
  • Children with clinical HIV infection had a significantly higher CFR (28%) compared to non-HIV-infected children (9%).
  • HIV-infected children accounted for 60% of all ALRI deaths. Significant risk factors included malnutrition, severe ALRI, young age (1-6 months), concurrent diarrhea, prolonged cough, and prior ALRI admissions.

Conclusions:

  • HIV infection is a major driver of mortality in children with ALRI in Zimbabwe.
  • Malnutrition and severe ALRI are critical risk factors necessitating targeted interventions.
  • National ALRI control programs must integrate HIV management strategies for improved child survival.

Keywords:
AfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaAge FactorsBiologyChildChild MortalityClinical ResearchDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEastern AfricaEnglish Speaking AfricaExaminations And DiagnosesHealthHiv InfectionsInfectionsMalnutritionMortalityNutritionNutrition DisordersNutrition IndexesPhysiologyPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPopulation DynamicsPulmonary EffectsResearch MethodologyRespiratory InfectionsViral DiseasesYouthZimbabwe

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