Prevalence and Determinants of Acute Respiratory Infections among Under-five Children in Rural Health and Training Centre, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under-five, especially in low-resource settings. In India, the burden of ARIs is notably high in rural areas due to environmental and socioeconomic risk factors. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of ARIs and identify associated determinants among children under-five in a rural population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to October 2018 in the service area of the Rural Health and Training Centre (RHTC) in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India, among 323 children under-five from nine randomly selected villages using multistage sampling. Data on ARI episodes and associated factors were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire administered in Tamil. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS) v23, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: The prevalence of ARIs was 24.5% (n=79). Significant determinants included kutcha/semi-pucca housing (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.4-4.2; p<0.001) and pet ownership (OR: 3.27, 95% CI: 1.78-6.0; p<0.001). Female children were at a higher risk of developing ARIs compared to males (OR: 1.90; p=0.049). Other factors, including overcrowding, socioeconomic status, and birth weight, showed no significant association. Conclusion: Poor housing and pet exposure significantly contribute to the prevalence of ARIs in rural children. Public health measures targeting these modifiable environmental factors are essential to reduce the disease burden.