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A community-based study of acute respiratory infections among preschool children in Syria
H N Bashour1, R H Webber, T F Marshall
1Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Syria.
Insights
This study tracked acute respiratory infections (ARI) in young Syrian children. Male children and infants aged 0-12 months experienced the highest ARI rates, with nasal discharge and cough being common symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology of ARI in vulnerable populations is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, prevalence, and patterns of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children under 5 years old.
- To identify age-specific and sex-specific risk factors for ARI in a low-income peri-urban setting.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal community-based study design was employed.
- Weekly morbidity surveillance was conducted over 24 weeks.
- 1030 children under 5 years old were followed.
Main Results:
- Children experienced an average of 3.4 episodes of ARI per 100 child-days at risk.
- The average prevalence of ARI was 23% of the observation time.
- Peak incidence for cough/cold was in 6-12 month olds, and for pneumonia in 0-5 month olds. Male children had higher ARI incidence and prevalence.
Conclusions:
- ARI poses a significant burden on young children in this peri-urban Syrian community.
- Infants and male children are particularly vulnerable to ARI.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored prevention and management strategies for ARI in similar settings.
Abstract:
A longitudinal community-based study of the epidemiology of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children less than 5 years old was carried out in a low income peri-urban area of Syria. A total of 1030 children were followed up by weekly morbidity surveillance for a period of 24 weeks, starting September 1989. The results revealed that, on average, a child suffered 3.4 episodes of ARI per 100 child-days at risk. The average prevalence of ARI was 23 per cent of time of observation. The peak age-specific incidence occurred in children 6-12 months old for cough/cold, and in children 0-5 months for pneumonia. Male children experienced higher incidence and prevalence of ARI. The most frequently reported symptoms were nasal discharge and cough.