Association Between Anemia and Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Under-FiveChildren

Abstract

Objective: To determine the association of anemia with acute lower respiratory tract infection among children under 5 years of age.

Study Design: Case control study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Dept. of Pediatric Medicine of Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi from 6th January 2024 till 6th July 2024.

Methods: Quantitative and qualitative data was collected, presented and analyzed. Effect modifiers were controlled through stratification to see the effect of these on the outcome variable. Post stratification chi square test was applied taking p-value of ≤0.05 as significant.

Results: A total of 62 patients (31 in case and control) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Stratification of anemia according to case and control group showed that 32.3% and 12.9% had and did not have anemia. P-value was 0.07. Odds ratio was 3.21.

Conclusion: Anemia was significantly associated with LRTI group compared to the control group proving it to be an independent risk factor for LRTI.