Association of modifiable risk factors with severity of pneumonia in children aged 2 months to 5 years: a prospective cross-sectional study from a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai
Abstract
Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years, especially in developing countries. Although the risk factors for childhood pneumonia are well documented, the relative contribution of these factors to disease severity remains less explored in Indian settings. This study evaluates the association between known epidemiological and modifiable risk factors and the clinical severity of pneumonia among hospitalized children aged 2–59 months. Assessment of these risk factors may lead to appropriate interventions resulting in reduction of severe disease and deaths. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months in the pediatric ward and ICU of a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai after obtaining Ethics committee approval & parental consent. A total of 120 children aged 2 months–5 years with WHO-defined pneumonia were enrolled. Children were grouped into those with non-severe, severe, and very severe pneumonia. Risk factors assessed included parental education, breastfeeding, immunization, malnutrition, delayed healthcare-seeking and prior antibiotic use. Of 120 cases, 41 (34.2%) had non-severe, 59 (49.2%) severe, and 20 (16.7%) very severe pneumonia. Significant associations with pneumonia severity were found for low paternal education (p < 0.001), short duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001), incomplete immunization (p < 0.001), delayed healthcare-seeking (p = 0.008), malnutrition (p = 0.004), and prior antibiotic use…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 120 participants or records.
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