Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infection among Under-five Children in a Rural Area of Mysore District

Background and aim: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a leading cause of illness and mortality in children under five years old, especially in developing countries. The condition demands serious attention to reduce the disease burden. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of ARI in under-five children in rural Mysuru. Materials and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months, from January to June 2023, among 400 children aged 6 months to 5 years in rural Mysuru. Data were collected using the interview method using a semi-structured interviewer-administered proforma. Results: The prevalence of ARI was reported to be 68.3%, with 65% of children experiencing at least one episode. Remarkably, children aged 1–3 years were most affected, with a prevalence of 45%. Notably, maternal education (31.2% with high school completion) and socioeconomic status (55.8% middle-class) played crucial roles. Environmental risk factors including ventilation, waste disposal, and water quality were implicated. Acute respiratory infection symptoms like fever, cough, and wheezing are statistically significant. Conclusion: Acute respiratory infection is a critical problem that requires attention and should be addressed among under-five children. The findings highlight a significant prevalence of ARI, affecting 68.3% of children in the age group of under 5 years. This study underscores the urgency of addressing ARI among young children, emphasizing the roles of maternal factors, environmental measures, breastfeeding, and immunization coverage in reducing ARI incidence.