FACTORS INFLUENCING MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN BELOW FIVE YEARS AT KIRA HEALTH CENTRE IV, WAKISO DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction

In Uganda, inappropriately managed ARI has remained the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five years accounting for about 9% of the ARI prevalence with 81.3% of cases occurring in urban areas. The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing the management of acute respiratory infection among children below five years at Kiira Health Center IV, Wakiso District. 

 Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was done at the Kiira Health Centre IV in March 2023, among 30 randomly selected carers using self-administered structured questionnaires.

 Results

The study showed significant maternal factors where 18(60%) were housewives, 19(63.3%) had more than 10 residents in households, and 16(53.3%) knew herbs as treatment measures that could be used to treat flu and cough. In the community factors, 17(56.7%)  isolated children with respiratory infections, and 21(70%) regarded respiratory infections in children to be serious illnesses requiring medical help. However, 27(90%) recommended the use of herbs. Health facility-related factors were associated with long distances covered by the mothers 15(50%) which had cost implications. The long waiting time of 20(66.7%)before receiving treatment and the lack of prescribed medications affected the management of ARI.  

 Conclusion

The study concluded that the interrelated factors of maternal factors, community factors, and health facility-related factors were hindering the management of acute respiratory infections among children. 

 Recommendation

It is important to carry out community sensitization through village meetings and health education programs on appropriate interventions in the management of acute respiratory infections. Moreover, the patient flow system at the health center should be modified to reduce the waiting time.