Recurrent respiratory infections and psychological problems in junior school children

Background. Recurrent respiratory infections (RRI) are among most common diseases in school-aged children. Little is known about possible associations between RRI and children psychological well-being. Aim. To study possible associations between RRI in junior school pupils and their emotional/behavioural characteristics. Methods. The RRI group comprised 30 first-to-fourth-year pupils from the community setting in whom 4 and more episodes of practitioner-attended respiratory tract infections during the preceding year had been diagnosed. Children were born in St. Petersburg, did not have any inborn abnormalities, disabilities, chronic and progressive diseases. Control group was made up of 30 healthy children matched to the cases for age at study, sex and date of birth as close as possible. The school class masters were approached with the Child Behavior Checklist Teacher's report form for ages 6-18 aimed at assessing emotional and behavioural characteristics. Results. Children from RRI group presented with statistically significantly higher values (more problems) for the following subscales: withdrawal/depression, somatic complaints, social problems, as well as rule-breaking behaviour. Overall, children with RRI had significantly higher values of the internalising and externalising behavioural problems. These associations remained significant after adjustment for major potential confounders. Children with RRI were more commonly reported to work less hard, behave less appropriately, learn less and be less happy at school. Structural equation modelling was used to test whether RRI influenced school success of the child and resulted in his/her psychological problems, which revealed good fit. Conclusion. Junior school children with RRI may have more psychological problems.