Risk Factors for Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia in Kenyan Children
Author Information
Author(s): Okiro Emelda A, Ngama Mwanajuma, Bett Ann, Cane Patricia A, Medley Graham F, James Nokes D
Primary Institution: Kenya Medical Research Institute/Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with developing severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia in young children?
Conclusion
The study identifies poor nutritional status and household crowding as significant risk factors for severe RSV disease in infants and young children.
Supporting Evidence
- Severe stunting was associated with a 1.7 times higher risk of RSV-LRTI.
- Crowding increased the risk of RSV-LRTI by 2.6 times.
- Children with more siblings under 6 years had a higher risk of severe disease.
- Educational level of the primary caretaker was linked to disease risk.
Takeaway
Kids who are not getting enough food and live in crowded homes are more likely to get really sick from a virus called RSV.
Methodology
A birth cohort of rural Kenyan children was monitored for acute respiratory infections over three RSV epidemics, with RSV diagnosed by immunofluorescence of nasal washings.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on caregiver reports and the single diagnostic method for RSV.
Limitations
Diagnosis of RSV infection was based solely on antigen detection, which may miss milder cases.
Participant Demographics
Children from rural Kenya, monitored from birth, with a mean age of 13.9 months at infection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1–2.8 for severe stunting
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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