Publication:

Determinants of the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in under five children in South-Eastern Benin in 2023

Background Acute respiratory infections are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ARIs and to identify the determinants of their occurrence in children under five in the Sado arrondissement (or borough) in Benin.

Methods This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 131 children under five years and their mothers recruited by convenience sampling in the community and at the Sado health centre using the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) register. Data collected through a questionnaire were analysed using STATA version 14. The primary outcome was the occurrence of acute respiratory infections in the child. Associations between independent variables and the occurrence of acute respiratory infections were explored using bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression at a 5% significance threshold.

Results The prevalence of acute respiratory infections was 64.12% (95% CI=55.45-71.95%). The determinants for the occurrence of acute respiratory infections were: mother’s marital status (OR=6.06; 95% CI=1.59-23.02; p=0.008), number of people living in the household (OR=0.34; 95% CI=0.12-0.94; p=0.038), cooking meals inside the rooms of the house (OR=0.39; 95% CI=0.16-0.91; p=0.030) and living near a dusty road (OR=3.19; 95% CI=1.18-8.58; p=0.022).

Conclusions The high frequency of acute respiratory infections in Sado and the influence of sociodemographic and environmental factors underscore the necessity for integrated interventions. Strengthening mother’ awareness and control measures targeting these factors (housing conditions, exposure to domestic and environmental pollutants, social determinants) will sustainably reduce the burden of acute respiratory infections in children under five years.