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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The effects of malnutrition, parental literacy and household crowding on acute lower respiratory infections in young Kenyan children
Authors:Ballard, Terri J.ISNI
Neumann, Charlotte G.ISNI
Year:1995
Periodical:Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
Volume:41
Issue:1
Pages:8-13
Language:English
Geographic term:Kenya
Subjects:child health
respiratory diseases
External link:http://tropej.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/41/1/8
Abstract:This study investigates risk factors for acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) in young children in Kenya. Exposures included mild-moderate malnutrition, household crowding and low parental literacy. The study population consisted of 106 toddler-aged children (18-25 months) who were free of ALRI for at least four weeks before beginning a one-year follow-up period. In 1984-1985, subjects were visited weekly for morbidity information and monthly for anthropometric measurement. Being underweight (weight-for-age below 80 percent of expected) was positively associated with ALRI, as was stunting (height-for-age below 90 percent of expected). No association was found for acute wasting (weight-for-height below 90 percent of expected). Having more than five siblings or parents with low reading skills were also risk factors. These data suggest that improving nutrition and parental literacy may contribute to lowering the incidence of ALRI. Interventions include breastfeeding, full immunization, diets adequate in quality and quantity, and early treatment through parental recognition of serious infections. Bibliogr., sum.
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