Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Infections among children under five years age living near Brick Kilns

Aim: To determine the prevalence of ARI under five children living near kiln industry at Taluka Sobhodero, Sindh and to compare the prevalence of ARI under five children living near kiln industry to those living away from Kiln industry at Taluka Sobhodero, Sindh. Study design: Comparative cross sectional. Place and duration of study: Taluka Sobhodero, District Khairpur, Sindh, 20-04-211 to 03-04-2011 Methods: This study was conducted on 188 children of two villages at Taluka Sobhodero, Distt; Khairpur (Mir's). Results: ARI prevalence in village Khokhar (located near kilns) was 24.5% compared to 12.8% in village Memon located away from kilns. The children under the age of 5 years involved in study were from similar socio economic back grounds. Prevalence of acute respiratory infection was higher in children living near kiln industry as compared to those living away from kilns, Chi-square; a test of significant was applied and results were significant at p value <.03. Conclusions: ARI cases were more in under- 5 children sharing their bed room with 3 or more compared to those sharing with 1 or 2 people (80% v/s 20%, p value <. 011).