Risk factors of acute respiratory infections in underfives of urban slum community.

Abstract

To ascertain the risk factors of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in children, a prospective study was conducted for a period of one year among 112 underfives in urban slum community of Calcutta. Incidence of ARI was found significantly higher in undernourished children of poor socio-economic class. Parental smoking habit and solid fuel use for cooking were recognised as important risk factors of ARI.