Frequency of Pneumonia and Associated Breastfeeding Status in Infants Presenting with Suspected Pneumonia in an Outpatient Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Pneumonia remains a major cause of infant mortality worldwide, including Pakistan, yet data on radiologically confirmed pneumonia in young infants remain limited.
Objectives: To determine the frequency of pneumonia and breastfeeding status among infants aged less than 6 months presenting with clinically suspected pneumonia in an outpatient setting.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric outpatient department at Patel Hospital, Karachi, from June, 2022 to December, 2022. Infants (n=162) aged 1-6 months of either gender, presenting with clinical suspicion of pneumonia, were included. Pneumonia was classified as positive based on signs and symptoms (difficulty breathing, tachypnoea, and hypoxemia) and radiologically confirmed by consolidation or patchy opacities. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.
Results: The frequency of radiologically confirmed pneumonia was 33.3%. Independent predictors were lack of antenatal breastfeeding counselling [aOR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.45-6.25, p=0.003], preterm birth [<36+6 weeks; aOR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.42-5.88, p=0.003], and maternal education below intermediate [aOR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.15-4.76, p=0.019]. Non-exclusive breastfeeding was not independently associated with pneumonia [aOR=1.36, p=0.445] but increased risk sixfold in preterm infants and threefold when counseling was absent.
Conclusion: Radiologically confirmed pneumonia occurred in 33.3% of suspected pneumonia cases among infants. Lack of antenatal…
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: 162 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Severe clinical outcomes of COVID-19 associated with proton pump inhibitors: a nationwide cohort study with propensity score matching
- Levofloxacin-Induced Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
- Association between cord blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and respiratory tract infections in the first 6 months of age in a Korean population: a birth cohort study (COCOA)
- Neuroprotective Effects of Epicatechin against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Quality evaluation and in vitro interaction studies between levofloxacin 250mg and diclofenac sodium 50mg tablets
- Molecular Epidemiology of mcr-1 -Positive Polymyxin B-Resistant Escherichia coli Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) in a Tertiary Hospital in Shandong, China
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.