Nutritional correlates of acute respiratory infections

During October 1992 to June 1993 in eight villages covered by the Primary Health Center Machhra in Meerut District, India, interviews with mothers and examinations of 1600 children aged less than 5 years (under-fives) were conducted to examine the relationship between acute respiratory infection (ARI) and malnutrition. 42.25% of all children had an ARI within the last 15 days. Most ARIs (73.4%) were considered mild (cough and cold with no pneumonia). Pneumonia accounted for 19.5% of all ARI cases, which were considered moderate. The remaining ARI cases were severe (severe and very severe pneumonia). 57.5% of all children suffered from protein energy malnutrition (PEM). 78.6% of children aged 12-14 months had PEM. ARI was more common among malnourished children than well-nourished children (52.2% vs. 28.8%; p 0.001). The incidence of ARI increased as the nutritional status deteriorated (p 0.05). It also increased as the midarm circumference decreased (p 0.001). These findings confirm the synergistic action between malnutrition and infection, in this case ARI. Malnourished children suffer considerable impairment in immunity, especially cellular immunity, which makes them more prone to ARI. These findings reinforce the need to strengthen the quality, quantity, and accessibility of nutritional services, particularly promotion of breast feeding and vitamin A supplementation.     

急性呼吸道感染性疾病监测研究

用病史前瞻性研究方法，于１９９１年４月至１９９２年３月对平邑县和高密县四个自然村的１１６４户４３７９人进行了急性呼吸道感染（ＡＲＩ）性疾病监测。共监测４３６５．９２人年，发病率为０．４５４２次／人年，无死亡病例，户发病率６８．９９％，各村发病率０．３７００～０．６３１２次／人年。共监测１８种疾病，以普通感冒、上呼吸道感染、支气管炎发病率最高，具有明显的家庭聚集性。难产、低出生体重、发育差、营养差、吸烟、文盲、人均年收入低、居室通凤差、居室采光差、居住条件差等是与ＡＲＩ发病有关的危险因素。     

Acute respiratory infections in children: a community based longitudinal study in south India

A community based longitudinal study was conducted in Malpe, a coastal village of Udupi district, Karnataka state, to investigate acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children. A cohort of 91 children under 3 years of age were followed up for 1 year, leading to 2047 fortnightly observation. On an average every child had 11.3 months of follow up. The overall incidence of ARI was 6.42 episodes per child per year. On an average each episode lasted for 5.06 days. Mean duration of ARI during one year was 32.5 days per child. Most of the ARI episodes in children (91.3%) were of simple Cough & Cold (no pneumonia). However, 8.2% developed pneumonia and only 0.51% had severe pneumonia. Incidence of ARI was almost same in male and female children. There was no significant difference in incidence among various age groups. But the incidence of pneumonia was significantly higher among infants (p<0.00002). Children of poor housing with smoke producing conditions suffered more frequently (p,002).     

Can mothers identify malnutrition in their children?

To assess mothers' perceptions about malnutrition and theirability to identify malnutrition in their own children, 339children aged 3–35 months and their mothers were studiedin two urban hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and in a communityclinic. The weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumferenceof the children were measured, and their mothers were interviewed.Child nutritional status according to their mother's statementand anthropometrically assessed nutritional status were compared.Sixty per cent of the mothers correctly identified better nutritionalstatus (weight/age >75% of NCHS median) and 67% mothers correctlyidentified malnutrition (weight/age < 75% of NCHS median)in their children. Sixty-one per cent of mothers with less than5 years of formal education correctly identified better nutrition(weight/age >75%) whereas 38% mothers with more than 5 yearsof education correctly identified better nutrition. Correctidentification of malnutrition was made by 70% of mothers withless than 5 years of formal education, and 74% of educated mothersdid the same. As regards causes of malnutrition, 33% of mothers stated thatlack of food at home resulted in undernutri-tion in their children(mean weight-for-age of these children was 65% of the NCHS median).Mothers' suggestions for improving child health were: betterfood in 31% cases; treatment of illnesses in 22% cases; andboth in 42% cases. The results suggest that most of the mothersare able to identify malnutrition in their children, and 95%of them are aware of ways to improve it, and that the provisionof adequate food and health care may improve child nutritionalstatus.     

A one-year community study of under-fives in rural Ethiopia: patterns of morbidity and public health risk factors

A prospective weekly home surveillance study was undertaken to determine morbiditypatterns within the Butajira Rural Health project in central Ethiopia. Overall prevalence of illness was 5.8% in 1216 person-years observed among rural Ethiopian children aged under 5 years. Acute respiratory infections (ARI) (prevalence 2.8%) and acute diarrhoea (2.4%) were the commonest conditions. Episodes of illness were distributed unequally among children, with a mean of 2.34 episodes per child. These included an average of 1.13 episodes of ARI (of which 0.16 had lower respiratory symptoms [ALRI]) and 1.17 episodes of acute diarrhoea. Sanitation factors were the principal risks for gastroenteritis, while living in rural areas predisposed children to ARI. Parental factors such as illiteracy were also linked to morbidity.     

Diagnosis and management of acute respiratory infections in Lesotho

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) accounted for 24% of deathsin hospitalized children under 5 years old in Lesotho in 1987,but little is known about how such infections are diagnosedand treated in this mountainous country of southern Africa.As a first step in developing a national programme to reduceinfant and child mortality caused by respiratory infection,a survey of medical practitioners was conducted to determinewhether current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendationson the management of ARI are being followed. Responses wereanalysed from 11 physicians, 12 nursas practising in hospitals,and 44 nurse-clinicians. WHO recommendations were followed by94% of respondents for the management of a child with mild ARIand by 68% for the management of a child with severe acute lowerrespiratory tract infection (ALRI), but by only 17% for themanagement of moderate ALRI. For all categories of illness,physicians were more likely to prescribe an antimicrobial drugthan nurse-clinicians. Eighty-four percent of respondents wouldhave treated mildly ill febrile children with an antipyreticdrug. Results of the survey show that focused training of healthworkers is needed to promote appropriate management of childrenwith moderate ALRI, and that supportive therapy will probablycost more than antimicrobial therapy. The next steps in developinga national ARI programme will include refining the case-managementstrategy supported by WHO and developing appropriate tools toteach mothers to recognize serious respiratory illness.     

Prevalence of acute respiratory infections in women and children in Western Sierra Leone due to smoke from wood and charcoal stoves

Combustion of biomass fuels (wood and charcoal) for cooking releases smoke that contains health damaging pollutants. Women and children are the most affected. Exposure to biomass smoke is associated with acute respiratory infections (ARI). This study investigated the prevalence of ARI potentially caused by smoke from wood and charcoal stoves in Western Sierra Leone, as these two fuels are the predominant fuel types used for cooking. A cross sectional study was conducted for 520 women age 15-45 years; and 520 children under 5 years of age in homes that burn wood and charcoal. A questionnaire assessing demographic, household and exposure characteristics and ARI was administered to every woman who further gave information for the child. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was continuously monitored in fifteen homes. ARI prevalence revealed 32% and 24% for women, 64% and 44% for children in homes with wood and charcoal stoves, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders for each group, the odds ratio of having suffered from ARI was similar for women, but remained large for children in homes with wood stoves relative to charcoal stoves (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.71-1.82) and (OR = 2.03, 95%CI: 1.31-3.13), respectively. ARI prevalence was higher for children in homes with wood stoves compared with homes with charcoal stoves, but ARI prevalence for both types of fuels is higher compared with reported prevalence elsewhere. To achieve a reduction in ARI would require switching from wood and charcoal to cleaner fuels.     

Population-based study of acute respiratory infections in children,Greenland

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are frequent in Inuit children, in terms of incidence and severity. A cohort of 294 children <2 years of age was formed in Sisimiut, a community on the west coast of Greenland, and followed from 1996 to 1998. Data on ARI were collected during weekly visits at home and child-care centers; visits to the community health center were also recorded. The cohort had respiratory symptoms on 41.6% and fever on 4.9% of surveyed days. The incidence of upper and lower respiratory tract infections was 1.6 episodes and 0.9 episodes per 100 days at risk, respectively. Up to 65% of the episodes of ARI caused activity restriction; 40% led to contact with the health center. Compared with studies from other parts of the world, the incidence of ARI appears to be high in Inuit children.     

Incidence and risk factors for diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections in urban communities of Pernambuco, Brazil

Magnitude and distribution of Diarrhoea and Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in children were studied within a larger broader research that focused on health education. Two household surveys were conducted in a sample of families with at least one child under five years of Recife and Olinda in April-May 1992 and 1994. The total number of children studied was 5,436. The estimated adjusted annual incidence rate (AAIR) of diarrhoea was 2.7 episodes per child. The two-week incidence rate of diarrhoea was 10.2% for both years. Risk factors associated with higher incidence of diarrhoea were age (under two years), lack of sanitation facilities, and absence of electrical appliances in the household. Estimated AAIR of ARI was 9. 5 episodes per child. The two-week incidence rate of ARI was 41.0% in 1992 and 32.6% in 1994. Majority of ARIs affected the upper respiratory tract (75.9%). The only factor consistently associated with a higher risk of ARI was age (under three years). Study results indicate that both pathologies are still an important health problem for children under five in Pernambuco. In particular, in the case of diarrhoea the need for improving the access to basic services, such as water supply and sewage system is urgently needed.     

Acute respiratory infections in children under five years. Control project in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania

Control of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in children under five years of age has been implemented as an integrated part of Primary Health Care in rural Bagamoyo District in Tanzania. Community supported Village Health Workers visited each family at their homes every six to eight weeks, giving health education on recognition and prevention of ARI, treating children with pneumonia on the spot with oral Cotrimoxazole or referring them to the next higher level of care. Within a two-year period the total under five mortality has been reduced by 27.2% from 40.1 to 29.2/1000 children aged under five per year. The disease-specific mortality rate for pneumonia has been reduced by 30.1% from 14.3 to 10.0/1000 under-five per year, contributing 40% to the overall mortality reduction. It is concluded that an active health service outreach programme, within Primary Health Care, can efficiently reduce high child mortality rates from ARI and other diseases. A similar approach will be used to tackle other problems such as diarrhoeal diseases, malnutrition, malaria and child spacing.     

The mediating role of sleep,physical activity,and diet in the association between shift work and respiratory infections

Objectives:Shift work may be associated with an increased incidence of respiratory infections. However, underlying mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, our aim was to examine the mediating role of sleep, physical activity, and diet in the association between shift work and respiratory infections.Methods:This prospective cohort study included 396 shift and non-shift workers employed in hospitals. At baseline, sleep duration and physical activity were measured using actigraphy and sleep/activity diaries, sleep quality was reported, and frequency of meal and snack consumption was measured using food diaries. In the following six months, participants used a smartphone application to report their influenza-like illness/acute respiratory infection (ILI/ARI) symptoms daily. Mediation analysis of sleep, physical activity, and diet as potential mediators of the effect of shift work on ILI/ARI incidence rate was performed using structural equation modeling with negative binomial and logistic regression.Results:Shift workers had a 23% [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.23, 95% CI 1.01–1.49] higher incidence rate of ILI/ARI than non-shift workers. After adding the potential mediators to the model, this reduced to 15% (IRR 1.15, 95% CI 0.94–1.40). The largest mediating (ie, indirect) effect was found for poor sleep quality, with shift workers having 29% more ILI/ARI episodes via the pathway of poorer sleep quality (IRR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.95).Conclusions:Compared to non-shift workers, shift workers had a higher incidence rate of ILI/ARI that was partly mediated by poorer sleep quality. Therefore, it may be relevant for future research to focus on perceived sleep quality as an underlying mechanism in the relation between shift work and increased infection susceptibility.     

上海郊区儿童ARI/CDD发病情况及母亲的家庭护理知识与行为

急性呼吸道感染(ARI)和腹泻(CDD)是上海县儿童的常见病,本文描述了ARI和CDD在上海县儿童中的发病情况,分析了母亲相关的家庭护理方面的知识相行为。结果,大步数母亲知道及时和较为适当地给予患儿家庭护理,如注意保暖、继续喂养、给予传统中草药及家庭自备抗生素,大多数母亲明确了解患儿需要立刻就医的症状和体征,分析结果也显示,有1/5的母亲对CDD患儿及时补充液体改善脱水认识不足。为了减少ARI和CDD的发病,改善母亲相关的知识和行为,有必要推广在妇幼卫生300个项目县采用的WHO推荐的标准病案管理方法。     

Nutritional status of Naporuna children under five in the Amazon region of Ecuador]

OBJECTIVES: To assess the nutritional status of Naporuna children under five years of age from the Amazon region of Ecuador, and to identify risk factors for developing malnutrition in this population group. METHODS: A survey-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Orellana, a province in northeastern Ecuador, between June 2001 and February 2002. Household interviews were conducted in 30 communities chosen at random, and a questionnaire was used to record the following: the social and demographic characteristics and parity of mothers having children under five years of age, and the children's demographic and anthropometric characteristics, history of breastfeeding, and medical conditions suffered over the two-week period just prior to the survey. Each child was also subjected to a physical examination. Anemia was diagnosed clinically by conjunctival exam. The statistical association among variables was determined by means of the chi-square test, with use of Yates' correction and Fisher's exact test (two-tailed) when there were 5 observations or less. Risk factors for chronic malnutrition and underweight were determined by means of logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 189 mothers of 347 children under five were interviewed. Of these 347 children, 307 (88.5%) participated in the study. Chronic malnutrition was found in 22.8% of the children; 26.4% were underweight, and 9.8% had acute malnutrition. Moreover, 7.5% had severe chronic malnutrition; 4.9% were severely underweight, and 1.6% had severe acute malnutrition. A total of 5 children (1.6%) showed signs of both chronic and acute malnutrition. The largest prevalence of chronic malnutrition was found in the 12-23 month age group. Risk factors for chronic malnutrition that were statistically significant included living in an area without access to a road, the total number of children in the family (> or =7), and the presence of an acute respiratory infection or abdominal distension on the day the physical examination was performed. Abdominal distension and pale conjunctiva on physical examination were predictive for underweight. CONCLUSIONS: Among the Naporuna children under 5 years of age included in this study, the prevalences of acute malnutrition and underweight appeared to be higher than had been previously detected among other populations in the Amazon region. More studies on the prevalence of parasitic infections and anemia and on the feeding practices and dietary habits of indigenous communities are needed in order to better understand their nutritional intake. A program for monitoring the diet of indigenous peoples is necessary and should be established.     

Immunoglobulin A antibodies directed against Campylobacter jejuni flagellin present in breast-milk.

We studied the relationship between IgA anti-campylobacter flagellin antibodies in breast milk samples and protection of breastfed infants living in a rural Mexican village from campylobacter infection. There were fewer episodes of campylobacter infection (symptomatic and asymptomatic combined) in infants breastfed with milk containing specific anti-flagellin antibodies (1.2/child/year, 95% CI 0.6-1.8) versus non-breastfed children (3.3/child/year, 95% CI 1.8-4.8; P < 0.01). Infants breastfed with milk that was anti-flagellin antibody negative by ELISA also had fewer episodes of infection compared with non-breastfed children, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (1.8/child/year, 95% CI 0.7-3.0 versus 3.3/child/year, 95% CI 1.8-4.8, P > 0.05). Breastfeeding has a protective effect against campylobacter infection and is associated with the presence of specific antibodies directed against campylobacter flagellin.     

Acute diarrhoeal disease in children under 7 years of age in a peri-urban slum of Santiago, Chile

A group of 168 families who lived in a peri-urban slum in Santiago were surveyed for 9 months. All of them had a child under 7 years of age. Medical activities and data collection were carried out at a Field Station and by means of twice-weekly visits to each home, at which time cases of diarrhoea were recorded and investigated. Faecal samples for bacteriological, parasitological and rotavirus studies were obtained during each episode. The characteristics of clinical course, hygienic practices in the family, and monthly anthropometric measurements of infants and toddlers were also recorded. The mean monthly incidence of diarrhoea was 7.1 episodes per 100 children. Of the episodes, 44.2% were associated with pathogenic bacteria, 14.4% with rotavirus, 38.4% with parasites and in 27.9% no enteropathogens were identified. It was found that adequate hygienic habits were not associated with a decreased risk of developing diarrhoea and that about 60% of children did not have diarrhoea throughout the study period. The nutritional status was adequate in most cases: weight-for-age was below the 5th percentile in 11.5% of subjects and the height-for-age was normal in all. No moderate or severe cases of malnutrition were detected.     

Acute diarrhoeal disease in children under 7 years of age in a peri-urban slum of Santiago, Chile.

A group of 168 families who lived in a peri-urban slum in Santiago were surveyed for 9 months. All of them had a child under 7 years of age. Medical activities and data collection were carried out at a Field Station and by means of twice-weekly visits to each home, at which time cases of diarrhoea were recorded and investigated. Faecal samples for bacteriological, parasitological and rotavirus studies were obtained during each episode. The characteristics of clinical course, hygienic practices in the family, and monthly anthropometric measurements of infants and toddlers were also recorded. The mean monthly incidence of diarrhoea was 7.1 episodes per 100 children. Of the episodes, 44.2% were associated with pathogenic bacteria, 14.4% with rotavirus, 38.4% with parasites and in 27.9% no enteropathogens were identified. It was found that adequate hygienic habits were not associated with a decreased risk of developing diarrhoea and that about 60% of children did not have diarrhoea throughout the study period. The nutritional status was adequate in most cases: weight-for-age was below the 5th percentile in 11.5% of subjects and the height-for-age was normal in all. No moderate or severe cases of malnutrition were detected.     

Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among Bhutanese refugee children--Nepal, 2007

Acute and chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies have been found in refugee camp populations. In southeastern Nepal, despite consistent access by refugees to general rations, certain micronutrient deficiencies have posed a substantial health burden to the approximately 100,000 Bhutanese residing in seven refugee camps. Limited food diversity, frequent illness, and poor feeding practices have been cited as underlying causes of poor nutritional status in this population. Annual surveys to assess levels of acute malnutrition (i.e., wasting) and chronic malnutrition (i.e., stunting) have been conducted in these camps by the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); however, the capacity to reliably evaluate micronutrient deficiencies has not existed locally in the camps. In January 2007, AMDA and CDC, at the request of UNHCR and the World Food Programme (WFP), conducted a nutritional survey of children aged 6-59 months, assessing 1) the prevalence of acute malnutrition, chronic malnutrition, underweight, anemia, and angular stomatitis (i.e., riboflavin deficiency); 2) the cumulative incidence of diarrhea and acute respiratory illness (ARI); and 3) the feeding practices of the children's mothers. This report describes the results of that survey, which indicated that, although acute malnutrition was found in only 4.2% of the children, chronic malnutrition was found in 26.9% and anemia in 43.3%. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring both malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies and addressing the underlying causes of nutritional deficits.     

Follow-up of children with moderate or severe malnutrition in the peripheral population (Brazil)]

What happens to children who develop moderate or severe malnutrition? What is done for them? Keeping in mind these questions, the present research was undertaken with the following objectives: to assess the nutritional status of children who develop moderate or severe malnutrition before the age of 5 years, after a period from 2 to 4 years after diagnosis; to assess the nutritional status of the under 5-year old siblings of these children; to study the influence of nutritional programs available in the community for the improvement of the nutritional status of the malnourished children; and to identify factors interfering with nutrition of these children during the study period. After a period of 2 to 4 years from the time of diagnosis of moderate or severe malnutrition the authors tried to locate the families of 61 malnourished children of Porto Alegre, RS (Brazil). The mothers their substitutes were interviewed and the children and siblings under 5 years of age were weighed and measured. Thirty-nine children were located. Of these, 4 (10%) died and 22 (56%) presented an increase of at least 10% in weight for age. Of the 35 children who survived, 29 (82%) still presented some degree of malnutrition (weight/age < or = 90% of the standard), 25 (71%) were stunted (height/age < or = 95%), and 5 (14%) were wasted (weight/height < or = 90%). The nutritional status of the 5-year old siblings was similar to that of the malnourished children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Knowledge, attitude and practice factors in childhood acute respiratory infections in a peninsular Malaysia health district

This study compares the knowledge, attitudes and practice of mothers in two ethnic groups with regard to acute respiratory infections (ARI) in their child. Most had traditional beliefs as to the cause of ARI with only a minority knowing the causes. Most mothers were aware of the effect of frequent attacks of ARI on the health status of their child and of the importance of early treatment. Reasons for their becoming worried during an episode of ARI in their child indicated that problems of distance, transportation and arrangements for care of their other children predominate. A large proportion of the respondents felt that their present knowledge of ARI was inadequate and were thus interested in obtaining more information.     

云南德宏州傣族、景颇族、阿昌族、德昂族0～6岁儿童营养不良等常见病的调查

目的:了解云南德宏州傣族、景颇族、阿昌族、德昂族0～6岁儿童营养不良现状,为防治疾病提供科学依据。方法:采用典型调查对云南德宏州傣族、景颇族、阿昌族、德昂族0～6岁儿童进行体格发育测量;调查急性呼吸道感染(ARI)、反复呼吸道感染(RRI)、腹泻(CDD)、贫血、营养不良等情况;血红蛋白Hb测定运用血细胞分析仪(迈瑞BC-2008),6月～6岁Hb<110 g/L为贫血;体格发育形态指标按全国九市儿童体格发育调查方案;统计处理和分析采用SPSS 15.0软件进行。结果:消瘦率、ARI、急性腹泻、慢性腹泻及贫血随年龄增加而降低;低体重率和发育迟缓率与年龄之间差异无统计学意义;RRI随年龄增加而增加;呼吸道感染(ARI、RRI)、慢性腹泻、贫血民族之间差异有统计学意义,其中景颇族贫血发病居4个民族之首,阿昌族以RRI、急性腹泻、慢性腹泻居4个民族之首;结论:营养不良有明显下降趋势;贫血发生率还很高,主要原因是地中海贫血占的比例大。