Exploring Acute Respiratory Infections in Under-five Children: A CrossSectional Study at Burdwan Medical College Immunization Clinic, West Bengal

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age. ARIs can range from infections in the upper respiratory tract to severe conditions affecting the lungs. According to the WHO, ARI is characterized by rapid or difficult breathing in children. In India, ARIs account for a substantial percentage of child mortality, with prevalence varying across urban and rural areas. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the proportion and determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections among children under five years attending the immunization clinic at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. Data were collected from mothers/caregivers of children under five years old using a semi-structured pretested schedule. Convenience sampling was used, with 105 participants who provided informed consent. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, and ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Results: The study found that 59% of the children had experienced at least one episode of ARI. Males represented 61.9% of the participants. Significant determinants of ARI included smoking in the household (59%), rural residence (57.14%), and exposure to cooking smoke. Fully immunized children constituted 59.04% of the sample, and a majority of children experienced 0-2 episodes of ARI. Conclusion: The high prevalence of ARI, especially in rural areas and among children exposed to secondhand smoke, highlights the need for targeted interventions to reduce risk factors. Immunization plays a crucial role in mitigating ARI incidence. The study recommends increased public health awareness on ARI risk factors and the importance of full immunization.