Epidemiological and Clinical Insights into Pediatric Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Kirkuk City-Iraq
Zainab Mohammed Abdul-Aziz, Athraa Esaa Ahmed,
Mohammed Dahham Hasan
Acute lower respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of mortality and one of the common causes of morbidity in children under-five years of age. The aim of the present study is to provide a comprehensive description of the pattern of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children under 5 years of age attended Children Hospital in Kirkuk City including the investigation of the frequency, severity, and types of LRTIs prevalent. This descriptive epidemiologic-observational, cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in Kirkuk city from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, involving 267 children under five years old with acute lower respiratory tract infections. The study included children with cough, rapid respiration, or difficulty breathing, as per WHO criteria. Patients with lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia were included. Children with congenital heart disease, hypotonia, cerebral palsy, peripheral circulatory failure, severe anemia, dehydration, and asthma were excluded. Clinical history included recurrent chest infections, asthma, drug or food allergies, steroid use, cow milk allergies, atopic conditions, family history of allergies and LRTIs, and vaccination history. Lower respiratory tract infections were diagnosed based on specific clinical signs such as tachypnea, chest wall indrawing, abnormal auscultatory findings, and abnormal chest X-rays. The study identified infants (0-12 months) as the most vulnerable to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), representing 68.54% of cases, with decreasing rates as age increases (mean age 10.2 ± 2.1 months). Males (57.68%) and urban children (74.16%) had higher prevalence rates. Most mothers were illiterate (46.07%). Among the children, 14.61% were exclusively breastfed, 32.21% bottle-fed, 22.47% mixed-fed, and 30.71% on solid food. Smoking exposure was reported in 52.81% of families. The majority of cases (47.19%) lasted 4-7 days. A significant portion of children (77.53%) were vaccinated, with 50.94% experiencing recurrent chest infections. Family history of LRTIs was a strong predictor (43.82%) of occurrence. Common symptoms included productive cough (95.88%), wheezing (91.01%), and fever (83.52%). The study highlights the significant impact of age, gender, residence, maternal education, feeding practices, family history, and vaccination status on LRTI prevalence and duration in children.
Keywords: Epidemiological, Clinical, Pediatric, LRTI, Kirkuk City
