Prevalence, potential determinants, and treatment-seeking behavior of acute respiratory infection among children under age five in India: Findings from the National Family Health Survey, 2019-21.

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a major cause of mortality and morbidity among under-five children worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Current evidence using nationally representative data on determinants and care-seeking behavior for ARI is limited in the Indian context. Hence, the present study complements the existing literature by examining the prevalence, determinants, and health-care-seeking behavior regarding ARI among Indian children under age five.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: The data for the present study were drawn from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 28 states and 8 union territories of India in 2019-21. A total of 222,233 children age less than five years were selected to estimate the prevalence and determinants of ARI, and 6198 children having ARI were selected to explore the treatment-seeking behavior. Bivariate analysis and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were employed.

Results: Among children under five years, 2.8% suffered from ARI in the two weeks preceding the survey, and 56.1% sought treatment for ARI. Younger age, a recent episode of diarrhea, maternal asthmatic history, and tobacco smoke exposure in the household increase the risk of having ARI. Further, having a separate room as a kitchen in the household reduces the likelihood of having ARI by 14% (AOR: 0.86; CI: 0.79-0.93). Female children (AOR: 0.88; CI: 0.77-1.00) and children belonging to households having difficulty in accessing transport to health facility (AOR: 0.83; CI: 0.69-0.99) are less likely to seek treatment.

Conclusion: The study identified several socio-demographic, maternal, and household characteristics associated with ARI and treatment seeking for ARI. The study also recommends making health centers more accessible to the people in terms of proximity and cost.