PNEUMONIA AMONG CHILDREN ADMITTED TO THE PEDIATRIC WARD OF SAIDU GROUP OF TEACHING HOSPITALS SWAT

Background: Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly in resource-limited settings. Its prevalence varies across different geographic regions due to disparities in healthcare access, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental factors. Neonates and young children are at heightened risk due to their immature immune systems. Understanding the epidemiological burden of pneumonia in specific populations is essential for improving early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment strategies. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pneumonia among children admitted to the pediatric ward of Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat, and to analyze associated demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2023 to September 2023 at the pediatric ward of Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, Swat, following ethical approval. Data were retrospectively collected from hospital records. Children of both genders aged 2-60 months admitted with a confirmed diagnosis of pneumonia were included, while those with incomplete records or alternative diagnoses were excluded. The sample size of 390 was calculated using the WHO formula. Key variables such as age, gender, birth weight, maternal age, family size, duration of hospital stay, and need for oxygen supplementation or intensive care were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, and findings were presented in frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 390 children examined, 78 (20.0%) were diagnosed with pneumonia. The highest prevalence was in infants aged 2-11 months (39.7%), with a male predominance (67.9%). Oxygen supplementation was required in 40 (51.0%) cases, and 28 (35.8%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Birth weight between 2600-3900 grams was associated with 56.4% of cases, while maternal age between 21-30 years accounted for 65.4% of cases. Pneumonia was more prevalent in families with 4-6 members (50.0%), and firstborn children were more commonly affected (47.4%). Conclusion: This study highlights a considerable burden of pneumonia among hospitalized children, particularly infants in their first year of life. Early diagnosis, improved preventive measures, and targeted interventions remain crucial in reducing pneumonia-related complications and improving pediatric health outcomes.