Frequency and preventive practices of acute respiratory infections in children under five years of age

Abstract

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections represent one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five, particularly in rural communities in Mexico, where factors such as poverty, overcrowding, and inadequate preventive practices increase child vulnerability. Objective: To determine the relationship between frequency and preventive practices for acute respiratory infections in children under five from a rural community in Oaxaca, Mexico. Methodology: This quantitative, descriptive-correlational study was conducted with 133 mothers/primary caregivers of children under the age of five. The participants were selected through non-probabilistic sampling and were residents of the community and registered in the nutritional records of an integrated community hospital. A questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding respiratory diseases in children. Informed consent was requested, guaranteeing the anonymity of participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The average age of mothers/caregivers was 28 years, and 2.5 years for children. The mean score on the preventive practices scale was 102.7, SD= 12.6. 91.7 % of preventive practices for acute respiratory infections were effective, and 69.7 % of children under the age of five had a low frequency of respiratory infections. A moderate negative statistical correlation was seen between environmental control and infection frequency (p< 0.05), while dimensions such as breastfeeding and vaccination produced heterogeneous results. Conclusions: Preventive practices impact acute respiratory infections, but their effectiveness depends on structural and social factors. Educational programs and public policies that reduce inequalities are needed to improve children's health in vulnerable communities.