Prevalence and drivers of treatment-seeking behaviour among under-five children experiencing acute respiratory infection in India

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and determinants of treatment-seeking behaviour among under-five (U5) children experiencing Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in India. The last two rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), (NFHS-IV, 2015-16 & NFHS-V, 2019-21) data have been used for the study. Bivariate analysis with a chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine the prevalence and determinants of treatment-seeking behaviour among U5 children in India. The prevalence of treatment-seeking behaviour among children in India has decreased from 78% in 2016 to 52% in 2021. The regression model indicated that children from rural areas (AOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97), EAG states (AOR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67-0.99), and households reporting transportation as a barrier (AOR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.75-0.97) had lower odds of seeking treatment compared to their counterparts. Conversely, treatment-seeking behaviour was more likely among households headed by women (AOR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.15-1.51), mass media exposure (AOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06-1.43), and those in the higher wealth categories. The current study recommends that public health programs should focus on highlighted indicators to improve treatment-seeking behaviour among children, which can help to reduce child morbidity and mortality due to ARI in India.