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Home / Community Health / 352842vg/ Chapter One

  • Epidemiology Of Lower Respiratory Track In Children
    [A CASE STUDY OF ASA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA]

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    • INTRODUCTION
      1.1 Background to the study
      Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), LRTIs are responsible for 15% of all deaths in children under the age of five years, with the majority of these deaths occurring in developing countries (WHO, 2021).
      Epidemiological studies have identified several risk factors for LRTIs in children, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, environmental factors, and underlying medical conditions. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to LRTIs due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways (Bhandari et al., 2019).
      Viral respiratory infections are the most common cause of LRTIs in children, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most frequently identified pathogen (Shi et al., 2019). Other common viral pathogens include influenza virus, human rhinovirus, and adenovirus. Bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, are less common but can cause severe LRTIs in children, particularly in those with underlying medical conditions (Chao et al., 2018).
      Several environmental factors have also been associated with an increased risk of LRTIs in children. Exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and indoor cooking fuels has been linked to an increased incidence of LRTIs in children (Nair et al., 2018).
      In terms of global burden, LRTIs are more common in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where access to healthcare and vaccination programs is limited (Gupta et al., 2019).
      LRTIs are a significant public health problem in children under the age of five in Nigeria. Pneumonia is the most common type of LRTI in Nigeria, and it is associated with several risk factors, including malnutrition, inadequate vaccination, and poor sanitation. This study therefore seek to investigate the epidemiology of lower respiratory track in children A case study of Asa local government area.

      1.2 Statement of the Problem
      Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among children under the age of five years. LRTIs are a broad category of infections that affect the lungs, including pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis, among others. In Nigeria, LRTIs remain a significant public health problem, and they are responsible for a considerable burden of disease, especially in rural areas with limited access to healthcare services. Asa Local Government Area in Kwara State, Nigeria, is one such area with limited access to healthcare services. Despite being a rural area, it is home to a significant number of children, and the burden of LRTIs among them is not well understood. The lack of information on the epidemiology of LRTIs in Asa Local Government Area makes it difficult to develop appropriate interventions to reduce the burden of the disease among children in the area.

      1.3 Aim and Objectives of the study
      The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area, with the following specific objectives;
      1. To examine the prevalence of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area
      2. To understand the risk factors associated with lower respiratory tract infections in children in Asa Local Government Area
      3. To analyze the impact of lower respiratory tract infections on the health and well-being of children in Asa Local Government Area
      4. To find out the interventions that can be implemented to reduce the burden of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area?

      1.4 Research Questions
      1. What is the prevalence of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area?
      2. What are the risk factors associated with lower respiratory tract infections in children in Asa Local Government Area?
      3. What is the impact of lower respiratory tract infections on the health and well-being of children in Asa Local Government Area?
      4. What interventions can be implemented to reduce the burden of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area?

      1.5 Scope of the study
       This study will focus on lower respiratory tract infections among children aged 0-14 years in Asa Local Government Area, Nigeria. The study will use a cross-sectional design to collect data on the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of lower respiratory tract infections on children's health and well-being. Data will be collected through household surveys, medical records, and interviews with healthcare providers. The study will also review existing literature on the epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections and potential interventions to reduce the burden of the disease. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area and inform the development of effective interventions to reduce the burden of the disease.
       
      1.6 Significance of the study
      The study on the epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among children in Asa Local Government Area has significant implications for public health policy and practice in Nigeria and other low-income settings. The following are some of the significant ways this study can contribute to improving the health and well-being of children in Asa Local Government Area and beyond:
      1. Providing baseline data: This study will provide baseline data on the prevalence and risk factors associated with LRTIs among children in Asa Local Government Area, which is currently lacking. The findings will enable policymakers and healthcare providers to understand the burden of the disease and develop appropriate interventions to reduce it.
      2. Informing policy development: The study's findings will inform policy development aimed at reducing the burden of LRTIs among children in Nigeria. The results of this study will provide evidence-based information that policymakers can use to develop policies and guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of LRTIs.
      3. Identifying at-risk populations: The study will identify populations at high risk of LRTIs in Asa Local Government Area, such as children living in overcrowded homes, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and those with limited access to healthcare services. This information will guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce the burden of the disease among vulnerable populations.
      4. Improving healthcare delivery: The study's findings will inform healthcare providers on the burden of LRTIs among children in Asa Local Government Area. The results will enable healthcare providers to develop effective treatment and management strategies for LRTIs, which will improve the quality of care delivered to children with LRTIs.
      5. Contributing to global health: The study's findings will contribute to the global understanding of LRTIs' epidemiology and risk factors among children in low-income settings. The results will inform global efforts to reduce the burden of the disease among children worldwide.
      In summary, the study's significance lies in providing much-needed information on the burden of LRTIs among children in Asa Local Government Area and guiding the development of evidence-based policies and interventions to reduce the disease's burden. The findings of this study will also contribute to the global understanding of LRTIs' epidemiology among children in low-income settings.

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    • ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of lower respiratory tract infections among children in Asa Local Government Area. The study utilized a survey design, and the Taro Yamane formula was used to determine a sample size of 100 respondents. The findings indicated that lower respiratory tract infections are common and a significant health issue in Asa Local Government Area, and exposure to smoke, crowded living conditions, malnutrition, and lack of access to healthcare were pe ... Continue reading---

         
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