Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality among children aged 2 months to 15 years worldwide, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Despite various interventions, pneumonia continues to claim the lives of millions of children annually. This study aims to assess the prevalence of pneumonia and identify associated risk factors in this vulnerable age group. The primary objective is to determine the prevalence of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 15 years. Secondary objectives include identifying demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors associated with increased pneumonia risk, evaluating the impact of nutritional status and breast‐feeding practices and analyzing the effectiveness of preventive measures such as immunization. This descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, over 12 months. A total of 100 children aged 2 months to 15 years with cough and fast breathing were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed chronic respiratory illnesses, congenital anomalies and other conditions predisposing to pneumonia. Data collection involved detailed history‐taking, clinical examinations, routine blood investigations and chest radiography, reviewed by two blinded pediatricians. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi‐square tests and logistic regression. Radiological confirmation of pneumonia was found in 44% of the study cohort. The highest prevalence was observed in children aged 1‐5 years (50%), followed by those aged 2 months to 1 year (22.7%). Males were more affected (65.9%) than females (34.1%). Significant clinical parameters associated with pneumonia included fever (88.6%), refusal of feeds/fluids (77.3%) and respiratory signs such as nasal flaring, grunting, retractions and crepitations. Independent predictors of pneumonia were temperature=38.0°C, crepitations and malnutrition. Pneumonia remains a significant health concern for children, particularly those under 5 years. Clinical parameters like fever, nasal flaring, and retractions are vital for early diagnosis. The findings emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions and continuous surveillance to reduce the pneumonia burden. Future research should explore regional differences and validate predictive models to enhance healthcare strategies.
How to cite this article:
. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Pneumonia in Children Aged 2 Months to 15 Years: An Observational Study.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.192.196
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.9.192.196