FREQUENCY AND DETERMINANTS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN ABBOTTABAD

Background: Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza, and bronchiolitis, are more prevalent in children due to their developing immune systems. They are commonly classified as upper or lower respiratory tract infections and occur more frequently in colder seasons and rural settings. Objective: The study aimed to determine the frequency and types of acute respiratory tract infections in children under five years of age and to identify the demographic and preventive factors associated with their occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over ten months at Ayub Medical Complex, Abbottabad, involving 173 children aged ≤5 years. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered to parents, covering demographics, vaccination status, and infection history. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 16. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, while categorical variables were reported as frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 173 participants, 63 (36.4%) had acute respiratory tract infections, while 110 (63.6%) were infection-free. Males constituted 110 (63.6%) and females 63 (36.4%). Most participants resided in rural areas (133, 76.9%), with only 40 (23.1%) from urban regions. Pneumonia was the most prevalent infection (31, 17.9%), followed by bronchiolitis (8, 4.6%) and pharyngitis (4, 2.3%). Regarding immunization, 103 (59.5%) were fully vaccinated, 36 (20.8%) partially vaccinated, and 34 (19.7%) unvaccinated. Conclusion: The study concludes that ARTIs are more common among male children and those living in rural areas. Pneumonia is the predominant form, and complete immunization significantly reduces the risk of infection. Targeted interventions focusing on vaccination, nutrition, and environmental hygiene can effectively lower the disease burden.