A Longitudinal Study Of Acute Respiratory Infections In The Under Five Age Group In A Rural Area Of Goa

Abstract

Research question: 1. What are the epidemiological factors responsible for ARI? 2. What is the morbidity, mortality due to ARI? 3. What is the cases fatality rate of ARI? Objectives: 1. To study the epidemiological factors responsible for ARI. 2. To determine the morbidity & mortality due to ARI. Study Design: Longitudinal Setting: Rural area of south Goa. Participants: Under-Five children. Statistical Analysis: Chi â€" Square test Results: ARI incidence of 1.3 episodes/child/year and a case fatality of zero was noted. The present study confirmed ARI association with risk factors like age of the child (</yr), nutritional status (moderate & severe malnutrition, birth order higher birth orders and birth weight (low birth weight) Conclusion: As various factors have been linked with the incidence & severity of ARI, there is an urgent need to accelerate the implementation of ARI control in view of its great potential in producing an impact on infant & early childhood morbidity & mortality.