The prevalence of acute respiratory infections and the associated risk factors: a study of children under five years of age in Kibera Lindi Village, Nairobi, Kenya
Sikolia, D.N.; Mwololo, K.; Cherop, H.; Hussein, A.; Juma, M.; Kurui, J.; Bwika, A.; Seki, I.; Osaki, Y.
Journal of National Institute of Public Health 51(1): 67-72
2002
Document Number: 426524
Acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children is a prevalent condition. In Kenya, 19% of all the cases seen in outpatient clinics and hospitals are acute respiratory infections, and mostly in the urban communities. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for ARI in children aged <5 years (n=300) living in Kibera Lindi village (Nairobi, Kenya). The prevalence of ARI, and the role of housing, overcrowding, smoke emissions and immunization status in the acquisition of acute respiratory infections were investigated. Most of the people living in this area were of low socioeconomic status. ARI was prevalent in the area (69.7%). Risk factors for ARI were: mud walled houses (relative risk (RR)=1.13), houses without windows (RR=1.14), overcrowding (RR=1.24), cooking fuel (firewood, RR=1.42; kerosene, RR=1.18), and cooking near the bed (RR=1.35). The study revealed that acute respiratory infections was prevalent in Kibera Lindi village, and that smoke emissions, overcrowding, and housing played a role in its acquisition. It is not clear whether the children's immunization status had a role in the acquisition of acute respiratory infections.