Study of Risk Factors of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in Underfives in Solapur

Background: - Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in children especially in underfives. In India it constitutes 19% of underfive deaths and 8.2 % of all disability in underfives. Various risk factors make these children prone for ARI. The high mortality & morbidity made necessary to know the risk factors of ARI. Objective: To study some of the risk factors responsible for occurrence of ARI in underfives. Methods: A case-control study was undertaken during 2000-2001 in Solapur to study some risk factors of ARI in underfives. The cases were ARI patients from Solapur City admitted in pediatric ward of S.C.S.M. General Hospital, Solapur while the same number of controls were selected from neighborhood and were matched for age, sex and religion. Results: A significant association was found between ARI and nutritional status, immunization status, weaning, mothersa€ literacy status. The literacy status of father didna€ t show any association with ARI of their kids. A premature child had around 7.5 times risk of developing ARI.