Determinants of acute respiratory infection (ARI) among under-five children in rural areas of Legambo District, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia: A matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) leads to morbidity and mortality among under-fivechildren in developing countries, especially in rural settings. ARI ranks among the top 10 diseases in under-five children in Legambo District, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate determinant factors for ARI in Legambo District in 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based matched case-control study was conducted, involving 139 cases and 278 controls under 5 years of age, from mid-January to mid-February 2019. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were performed. From the multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, variables with a significance level of p < 0.05 were taken as significantly associated with ARI among under-five children. RESULT: ARI among children under 5 years of age was significantly associated with age of the mother/caregiver being ≥35 years, occupation of mother/caregiver being housewife, the family being of medium wealth status, the type of stove used in the house, carrying the child while preparing food, absence of windows in the house, and nutritional status of the child. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of ARI could be reduced by improving economic status, stove use, and nutrition of children, and by increasing community awareness regarding indoor air pollution and ventilation.