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Acute respiratory infection in Malaysian children
Insights
A community survey found 30% of children under 7 had acute respiratory infection (ARI). Many mothers underestimated ARI severity, potentially delaying treatment for young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
- Community-based data on ARI prevalence and severity perception in young children are crucial for targeted interventions.
- Understanding socio-demographic factors, environmental sanitation, and healthcare-seeking behaviors associated with ARI is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children under 7 years old.
- To gather baseline data for an ARI intervention program in the community.
- To assess the concordance between mothers' and investigators' perception of ARI severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted.
- Data collected from 6190 households, including 12,273 children under 7.
- Information gathered on socio-demographics, sanitation, ARI/diarrhea occurrence, treatment seeking, and immunizations.
Main Results:
- Thirty percent of children under 7 experienced ARI in the two weeks preceding the survey.
- The majority of ARI cases were mild (94%), with 1% moderate and 5% severe.
- A significant discrepancy was observed between mothers' and investigators' assessment of ARI severity (Kappa = 0.083), with many severe/moderate cases perceived as mild by mothers.
Conclusions:
- Mothers' underestimation of ARI severity poses a risk for delayed or inadequate treatment in children.
- The study provides essential baseline data for developing and implementing effective ARI control programs.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted health education to improve recognition and timely management of ARI in young children.
Abstract:
A cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children below 7 years of age and to obtain baseline information for an intervention programme. A total of 6190 households comprising 38,632 persons with 12,273 children (32 per cent) below 7 years of age were surveyed. Information on socio-demographic variables, environmental sanitation, occurrence of ARI and diarrhoea, treatment seeking behaviour during episodes of those illnesses and immunizations among children were obtained. Thirty per cent of children had experienced ARI in the 2-week period prior to the interview, and 94 per cent had mild ARI, 1 per cent had moderate and 5 per cent had severe ARI. There was lack of concurrence between mother's perception of severity and that of the investigators' (Kappa coefficient = 0.083 (95 per cent CI = 0.017-0.149). Twenty-four and 39 per cent of severe and moderate ARI, respectively, were reported by mothers to be mild. There is cause for concern as these children may not receive timely and appropriate treatment. The findings from this study contribute to identification of target populations and priority areas for health education of the population. The survey has provided useful baseline data for the implementation of an intervention programme for the control of ARI in children.