Abstract

Risk Factors of Pneumonia Among Children Under 5 Years at a Pediatric Hospital in Sudan

Author(s):Siham M.O. Gritly, Mohamed Osman Elamin, Hatim Rahimtullah, Abdikani Y. Haji Ali, Abdi Hassan Dhiblawe Yabarow, Ebtihal A. Mohamed and Hamed Ademola Adetunji

Introduction: Pneumonia is major cause of mortality among acute respiratory infections, killing up to 5 million of children below the age of 5 years annually in developing countries. Total 50% out-patients cases in Sudan are children while 30% of children admissions are due to pneumonia. Every year, the number of deaths in infant and children below the age of 5 years is reported to be 12 million. Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the pneumonia risks in Sudan among children <5 years and to establish a baseline data and statistical information about pneumonia in the age group for future use. Study design and Setting: A hospital based descriptive study was conducted among children <5 years at Mohamed Al-Amin Hamid Pediatric Hospital in February 2017. Methods: Parents of 40 children <5 years admitted to the hospital during the study period completed the constructed questionnaire after obtaining informed consents from each of them. Data was then analyzed. Results: Children in this study consisted of 27 (57.50%) males and 13 (42.5%) females. Factors found to have association with pneumonia include low socio-economic status and low educational level of mothers. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that the pneumonia is more prevalent in children less than one year. Factors found to have association with pneumonia include low socioeconomic status and low educational level of mothers admitted to Mohamed Al-Amin pediatric hospital in Omdurman locality. It was recommended to have an early diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia. Community health education and completion of the immunization program are recommended to decrease the infection.

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