Abstract
Background: Globally, every 39 seconds a child dies because of pneumonia. Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among under-five children in sub-Sahara African countries. The deaths of children from pneumonia diseases are more frequent than any other infectious disease. Risk factors of pneumonia were not completely identified in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among children aged from 2 to 59 months.Methods: Institutional based unmatched case-control study was employed among 246 (123 cases and 123 controls) participants in Fitche General Hospital March 2018. Data were collected using a pre-tested and standardized questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select control and cases were selected consecutively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and variables with a P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Cases of 123 children diagnosed with pneumonia and controls of 123 children without pneumonia were brought to Fitche General Hospital (FGH). Malnutrition [AOR=2.85, 95% CI:(1.61,6.08)], children who were not exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of their life [AOR=3.22, 95% CI: (1.61, 5.52)], number of occupants more than 5 people who live in one house [AOR=2.01, 95% CI: (1.04, 4.65)], use of charcoal for cooking in the house [AOR=1.56, 95% CI: (1.04,4.18)] and use of wood for cooking in the house [AOR=2.59, 95% CI:(1.22,6.46)] were significantly associated with community-acquired pneumonia.Conclusion: This study identified malnutrition, children who were not exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of their life, number of occupants more than 5 people who live in one house and use of wood and charcoal for cooking in the house were found among the major risk factors for pneumonia. Intervention targeted to early identifying and treating malnutrition, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding practices, and preventing use of wood and charcoal for cooking in the child house is compulsory for children well being.
Risk Factors for Malnutrition in Children at Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea: A Case-Control Study
