The prevalence and risk factors for acute respiratory infections in children aged 0‐59 months in rural Malawi: A cross‐sectional study. Issue 6 (30th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cox, Miriam; Rose, Louis; Kalua, Khumbo; de Wildt, Gilles; Bailey, Robin; Hart, John
• Is Part Of: Influenza and other respiratory viruses. Volume 11:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 489
• Page End: 496
• Publication Date: 2017-09-30
• Subjects: acute respiratory infection -- Malawi -- malnutrition -- preschool children; Influenza -- Periodicals; Respiratory infections -- Periodicals; Virus diseases -- Periodicals; Influenza, Human -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Virus Diseases -- Periodicals; Grippe -- Périodiques; Appareil respiratoire -- Infections -- Périodiques; Maladies à virus -- Périodiques; 616.203
• DOI: 10.1111/irv.12481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-2640

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) are a leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity. Malawi has high childhood mortality but limited data on the prevalence of disease in the community. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of children aged 0‐59 months. Health passports were examined for ARI diagnoses in the preceding 12 months. Children were physically examined for malnutrition or current ARI. Results: 828 children participated. The annual prevalence of ARI was 32.6% (95% CI 29.3‐36.0%). Having a sibling with ARI (OR 1.44, P = .01), increasing household density (OR 2.17, P = .02) and acute malnutrition (OR 1.69, P = .01) were predictors of infection in the last year. The point prevalence of ARI was 8.3% (95% CI 6.8‐10.4%). Risk factors for current ARI were acute‐on‐chronic malnutrition (OR 3.06, P = .02), increasing household density (OR1.19, P = .05) and having a sibling with ARI (OR 2.30, P = .02). Conclusion: This study provides novel data on the high prevalence of ARI in Malawi. This baseline data can be used in the monitoring and planning of future interventions in this population.